Stockport County submits plans for Edgeley Park expansion

Stockport County FC have submitted plans for the expansion of Edgeley Park, which would increase capacity from 10,852 up to 18,305.

The League Two champions have lodged a hybrid planning application for the phased expansion of the ground.

Under the plans, the initial phase would include the eastern expansion and enhancement of the North Stand (Danny Bergara Stand) and East Stand (Railway End). The expanded North Stand would provide around 600 additional seats, increasing its capacity to around 3,312, while the capacity of the new East Stand would increase from 1366 up to around 4449. 

The club, subject to securing planning permission, is looking to begin work on the North Stand eastern extension in early 2025. However, this would not affect fans currently seated in the North stand.

The South Stand would be redeveloped to increase its capacity to around 5,500, as well as providing new food and beverage and hospitality facilities. 

Providing another 600 seats and the final element would be a western extension to the North Stand.

Also included in the plans is formalising the long-term use of Bergara Close for coach parking which is currently implemented on a temporary basis. 

The application which been prepared by Asteer following two rounds of public consultation.

The club said it sought feedback and received “overwhelming support” for its vision for the ground from the local community and fans. 

The part full/part outline is based on a phased approach to investing in improvements to Edgeley Park. County said this is to ensure sustainable growth in-line with success on the pitch and to meet league requirements as the club targets its return to Championship football. 

The expansion would boost stadium attendance by circa 150,000 per year, while the benefits for neighbouring businesses are predicted to bring a gross value add of circa £2m per year. This would support new jobs and further economic growth for the borough.