Work on building the Millers new ground is cracking on at a good pace as you can see in our construction pictures.
GMI have released a flythrough video of both inside and outside of the stadium, and it's fair to say that we'll finally have a ground that will be the envy of many other clubs.
Work to raise the ground level has begun at Don Street in preparation of the actual construction of the Millers new £17.3 million new ground.
With Rotherham Metropoliton Borough Council having helped the club find the site (as well as helping the club during the 2nd administration), along with RMBC's £5m loan towards the construction and thier bond to the FA to ensure the clubs return to the town, full planning permission is expected without any hitches.
CLICK HERE FOR THE PLANNING DOCUMENTS FILED WITH RMBC
Car parking : Max 400 car park spaces, Space for 10 No. coaches & Cycle parking
The stadium bowl has been designed to maximise spectator comfort and atmosphere, with sightlines of the pitch that are well above average.
12000 spectators can be accommodated in the completed stadium.
The roof of the main west stand has been developed to emphasise the buildings height and importance.
Our consideration for orientation was for a TV lounge using the West Stand powered by solar glaze.
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 increments on the north and south stands to the east stand, which is 10.5m high at its lowest point.
The North and South stands have polycarbonate to the edge of the roof to let light onto the pitch.
The east stand has a polycarbonate roof system which allows natural light to enter the stand.
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.
Flood lighting is situated along the face of the west stand and on columns on each corner of the east stand.
Based on the accommodation required, including a stadium, hospitality and community functions and the desire for a building which operates all year round, the main west stand stands taller than any other building on the site.
The terracing and hospitality suites stand above all other stands, providing the impact and drama from the external plaza spaces.
The height of the east stand has been kept low (10.5m) to avoid it dominating the riverside walk and making this vibrant space feel claustrophobic.
Future expansion of the stadium has been allowed for in the design by the addition of a further 3844 seats including 100 disabled to both the North and South stands.
3100sq m of space is included within the stadium, divided into 7 positions around the perimeter of the building. The North, East and West stands will accommodate the planned commercial and community space.
The design provides a social focal point 24 hours a day and allows visitors to experience this "island" site. It preserves the historical identity and improves the river walk experience.
Corporate and exhibition spaces have been designed into the 1st and 2nd floor of the west stand allowing a total of 600 capacity over the 2 floors (350/250 respectively) these spaces are fully adaptable and can be used for a wide variety of uses such as events, exhibitions and banqueting. 1st floor space can be divided into 3 equal areas or any combination. Whilst on the 2nd floor there are 8 Offices / VIP rooms that also have the adaptability of being used as 1 open space. Both floors are fully serviced.
Start on site in May/June 2011 - raising levels
July 2011 - Stadium construction
Completion in time for 2012/13 season
Here's what it should look like when its done..
