"Subject to planning consent, we're hoping to start the flood alleviation work in May and major construction of the stadium itself in June. The build time is 12 months, factoring in a bit of time for a bad winter, and we're aiming to be open and ready for August 2012."
"All the companies who have tendered to build the stadium have had to prove they could fit it into that time span, including the car parking and roads and infrastructure around it.! he added.
"It's a turn-key operation, so that when we go in the seating, the tables, the fire extinguishers, the alarm systems, the IT and the furnishings, it's all in and it's all done."
Commercial director Steve Coakley went on to add the stadiums acoustic properties will create a big atmosphere; "Even though the capacity is 12,000, we believe we will have a stadium that can generate an atmosphere of three times that amount of people by having the stands at the highest rake possible and as close to the action as possible."
"We have worked closely with the contractors and their assistants on the acoustics to ensure it provides the best possible atmosphere."
- The stadium bowl has been designed to maximise spectator comfort and atmosphere, with sightlines of the pitch that are well above average.
- The roof of the main west stand has been developed to emphasise the building's height and importance.
- The stadium orientation is geared to utilising solar energy for a TV lounge in the West Stand.
- Polycarbonate bands fill in the steps to the roof to ensure that the atmosphere from the fans is kept within the stadium and reverberated back onto the pitch.
- The west stand dominates the stadium at 21m high, with the stepping down in 1.5m in crements on the north and south stands to the east stand, which is 10.5m high at its lowest point.
- The east stand projects out onto the riverside, with a flat roof being situated above the concessions and kiosks below. This flat roof could be used as a terrace in the future.
- Floodlighting is situated along the face of the west stand and on columns on each corner of the east stand.
- The height of the east stand has been kept low (10.5m) to avoid it dominating the riverside walk and making the vibrant space feel claustrophobic.
- Future expansion of the stadium has been allowed for in the design by the addition of a further 3,844 seats, including 100 disabled, to both the North and South stands.
- The design provides a social focal point 24 hours a day and allows visitors to experience the "island" site. It preserves the historical identity and improves the river walk experience.
- Corporate and exhibition spaces have been designed into the first and second floors of the West Stand, allowing a total of 600 capacity over the two floors. These spaces are fully adaptable and can be used for a wide variety of uses such as events, exhibitions and banqueting.
- First floor space can be divided into three equal areas or any combination. On the 2nd floor there are eight offices/ VIP rooms that also have the adaptability of being used as one open space.
- There will be 400 car park spaces, space for ten coaches plus cycle parking.