Swansea City have submitted a planning application for a new temporary fan zone at their stadium. The club aims to open the 1,000-capacity facility in December, pending approval from Swansea Council, to improve the supporter experience on matchdays and for community events throughout the year.
A design and access statement from AFL Architects, lodged with the council, provides the first images of the proposed zone. It will be located on the rough ground behind the South Stand, running on a five-year temporary basis. The structure is a 40-metre-long steel frame with a fabric roof, clad in grey metal to match the existing stand.
Facilities and community use
On matchdays, the zone will open three hours before kick-off and close one to two hours after the final whistle. It will be split into family and adult areas, with alcohol served only in the adult section. Facilities include food and drink kiosks, a covered stage, a mobile big screen, and a dedicated play area. A coffee servery facing the public path will remain accessible even when the main zone is closed.
The club envisages using the space on non-match days for supporter gatherings, performances, student events, festive markets, and craft fairs. A permanent toilet block with a Changing Places facility for disabled supporters will be built alongside, serving both the fan zone and the South Stand concourse on matchdays to ease pressure on existing stadium toilets.
Stadium modifications and planning
The development will require the removal of 46 car parking spaces from the stadium's total of 820, with 34 of those regularly used by players on matchdays. The club says it will manage this by issuing fewer parking permits or by bringing players in by coach. Three trees will be removed for construction, but nine new ones will be planted for a net gain of six. The existing memorial garden will be reconfigured but will remain in place.
South Wales Police requested vehicle barriers in response to early plans, leading to the inclusion of heavy modular blocks at the busy south-west corner that will double as seating, alongside a 2.4-metre fence and CCTV. Sections of the fan zone and toilet block walls have been set aside for murals by local artists, with the final artwork to reflect the club's identity and community links.
The proposal comes as Swansea City, who top the standings with 17 points from eight games, look to build on their strong start. Their next challenge is a home fixture against Norwich City, a match fans can find details for on the official fixtures page. Preliminary work on the fan zone is expected to begin shortly, with the club prepared to follow alternative timelines to ensure quality. The full application, including the design statement, is now with Swansea Council for a decision.
More detail at walesonline.co.uk
