AFC Bournemouth have seen major progress in their proposed redevelopment of the Vitality Stadium.
As revealed by afcb.co.uk, the club have received planning permission for the enabling works at their home ground, marking a major step in their long-term vision for future expansion.
AFC Bournemouth owner hails Vitality Stadium planning permission
As revealed on afcb.co.uk, AFC Bournemouth received planning permission on Thursday January 22, 2026, for the first round of improvements to the Vitality Stadium.
The approved works are set to be the first of a major redevelopment of their 11,329-capacity home – an ambitious long-term plan which could see the size of the ground almost double.
Speaking to the club website after the confirmation of the permission, club owner Bill Foley said: “This is an exciting and important moment for the club.”
“Our proposed new stadium reflects not only our ambition on the pitch, but also our commitment to investing in the community. The project will deliver long-term benefits for supporters, local residents, and the wider region beyond the BCP area.”
The Cherries are now set to move forward with planning and implementation of the first round of improvements, with further updates on specific timescales to come in due course.
Works beginning following the granting of permission include the installation of a new perimeter fence and turnstiles, revisions to pedestrian and cycle routes, the creation of a new outside broadcast area and the enclosure of terraces within the West Stand.
What further works do AFC Bournemouth have planned?
The initial round of infrastructure improvements at the Vitality Stadium only mark the first step in a major redevelopment proposal.
Bill Foley initially stated his intentions to move the Cherries to a new stadium by the summer of 2027, however plans quickly shifted to improve and expand their current home.
Long-term plans reportedly include the demolition of the South Stand, to be replaced by a 7,000-capacity grandstand and the filling in of all four corners to add over 1,400 seats.
1,200 and 1,700 seats are expected to be added to the North and East Stands respectively too, taking the stadium's capacity over the 20,000 mark.
FGG says: Positive steps for the Cherries' on and off-pitch ambitions
Having established themselves as a competitive Premier League outfit in recent years, while striving for a second consecutive top-half finish in the 2025-26 season, AFC Bournemouth's currently 11,329-capacity home does not currently match their ambitions.
While the Cherries have been able to attract plenty of quality, a larger stadium, holding more fans and a better atmosphere, and a more modern setting, can only further improve their offering to potential players, with over 9,000 extra seats offering a major growth in revenue.
Although initial proposals only include infrastructure improvements and further plans require more in-depth work, planning permission is a positive step for the club, who can now begin works to improve the current fan experience while laying the groundworks for major change.