AFL Architects has achieved practical completion of the new 17,250 capacity Brentford Community Stadium for Brentford FC. The venue is the new home of Brentford FC and London Irish RFC. The stadium was inaugurated with a win for the Bees in the Carabao Cup, the first competitive match since opening.
The new stadium is located less than a mile from the club’s previous home at Griffin Park. It retains the intimacy and familiarity of the older venue while futureproofing the club for its potential promotion to the Premier League. Cementing the club’s ambitions, the delivered design drives forward a new model for the future – a medium-capacity stadium with almost 2,000 premium seats, joint-tenancy and a sustainable player base. The facilities have been designed for both football and rugby use.
John Roberts, Sports & Leisure Director, AFL Architects said: “This achievement has been a long time in the works. After coming so close to promotion, the new stadium cements the Bee’s ambitions. This is a venue ready for the Premier League. We are also very happy that London Irish have chosen the stadium as their base and have finally returned to their home turf.”
The tight, triangular nature of the site and its dramatic effect on the stadium footprint is a clear motif throughout the design. Triangular forms are found throughout the hospitality areas, in the shape of the floodlights and roof, and within the massing itself. These angular shapes create a consistent language across the stadium – unique touches that distinguish it from all others.
Externally, the aluminum façade plays with size and tone. The effect is of a less industrial, broken up massing and a varied texture to create interest. The semi-opaque polycarbonate on the higher elevation has been designed for night-time matches. The material allows a controlled amount of light to break out of the stadium bowl: the diffused glow shining like a jewel in the evening.
The design is deeply rooted in Brentford FC’s values of community, fan experience, inclusivity and sustainable growth. One of the stands holds a sensory room for people who are sensitive to external stimuli and would be otherwise unable to attend a football match. There is also a dedicated family concourse, as well as generous, distributed wheelchair and easy access seats provision.
Rita Ochoa, Senior Associate, AFL Architects said: “It’s not just a name: Brentford Community Stadium has really been designed for everyone. Accessibility and inclusivity has been a major focus all the way through the process. Although the response so far has been incredibly positive, we’re really looking forward to when all fans can see and experience their new grounds for themselves.”
Brentford Community Stadium has been chosen as one of the host venues for UEFA Women’s EURO 2021, now to be held in 2022.
All images in this article are courtesy of Buckingham Group
