WORK at Saints’ new stadium is moving apace as the steel frame structure begins to take shape.
Contractor Barr Construction has now begun erecting the frame work for the 18,000 capacity stadium and 140,000 sq ft Tesco Extra store.
Construction of the 4,245-tonne steel frame has begun, with the Tesco store due for completion in July 2011 and the stadium will be complete by October 2011.
The 18,000 capacity stadium, will be wrapped in 4,900 sq m of cladding and comprise 1,150 sq m of curtain walling. It is designed to be energy efficient and will incorporate a wood burning bio-mass boiler, rain water harvesting and utilise a sophisticated computer system to measure and monitor energy consumption.
A major 3,000 sq ft community facility, managed by Saints Community Development Foundation (SCDF) in partnership with St Helens Council, will be housed within the stadium for use by young people undertaking projects focusing on sport, health and education.
There will also be a range of top class corporate hospitality facilities, meeting rooms and conference space for up to 1,600 delegates as the club bids to generate additional revenue from match day hospitality packages.
The stadium provides the centrepiece for the regeneration of the entire site, which was previously home to United Glass and will ultimately deliver 1,400 new employment opportunities.
The development is being delivered by a partnership between developer Langtree, St Helens Council, the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and Saints themselves.
Eamon McManus, chairman at St Helens Rugby League Club, said: “It’s uplifting to see the stadium rising so rapidly before our eyes. We really appreciate the loyalty our fans have shown throughout the season. They can now see that their sacrifice and support is all worthwhile and that our new home will be one to be immensely proud of. The stadium will set the benchmark for club rugby in this country and will be a major boost for Saints and the town of St Helens at a time when good news is at a premium.”
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