Winning Goals For The Community

Football is about people and FWP, the creative force behind some of the game’s most innovative stadium projects, is working with clubs at all levels to make a real difference to their communities.

FWP has built its national reputation through innovation in design and by creating sustainable stadiums that generate much-needed income streams.

The leading architecture, design and masterplanning practice is celebrating 30 years working with Preston North End on its Deepdale redevelopment journey.

The transformation of the historic stadium has created a 24,000 capacity all-seater ground. The design is a blend of contemporary materials and geometric lines. This includes suspended lattice beams that support each grandstand roof, seamlessly linking the four iconic 45-metre high floodlight towers.

FWP’s multifaceted approach has included architectural design, interior design, project management, M&E design, structural engineering, building surveying, quantity surveying, and H&S advice, amounting to an investment of £60 million in the stadium.

FWP began its work at Deepdale in August 1993. The latest project this summer has seen the re-roofing of the ground’s Alan Kelly Town End Stand, integrating solar panels to generate electricity. 

FWP, which has offices in Preston, Manchester and London, has worked with a host of clubs, including ambitious non-league sides such as AFC Fylde, Hastings United and FC United of Manchester.

It has also worked to deliver EFL club Fleetwood Town’s Highbury Stadium. At the very top of the pyramid, the Premier League, FWP successfully delivered a £1m refurbishment of Everton’s corporate hospitality facilities. It has also carried out work for Manchester United.

David Robinson, FWP managing partner, said: “In all our football stadium work our aim is to deliver real destination venues for sport, leisure and entertainment for the whole community, with real benefits for clubs and their supporters.”

FWP looks to create that “added value” that can be delivered through usable floor space. In a standard spectator stand that can be sizeable.

The regeneration of Deepdale includes income-generating and community facilities such as an NHS centre and educational and conferencing facilities.

David says: “Sports operators must be creative and aware of the needs of both the community and the commercial providers in their local area.  This informs the design and the creation of lettable space for income generation.”

View more work at www.­fwpgroup.­co.­uk and feel free to get in touch to discuss your next project.