AFC Bournemouth have hit a significant landmark in their long-term Vitality Stadium redevelopment after formally submitting a full planning application for the project that will reshape their home ground and underpin future Premier League ambitions.
The club announced this on January 31, a move that represents a critical step in the club’s efforts to future-proof the stadium and align capacity and facilities with Premier League and UEFA standards.
The full planning application follows earlier approval of enabling works, which cleared the way for preparatory groundwork and marked initial council support for the broader redevelopment.
Together, the submissions set Bournemouth on course to begin building out what has been described as the biggest stadium project in the club’s history.
What the planning application proposes
The planning documents, lodged with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, outline a phased redevelopment that would see the stadium’s capacity grow from around 11,300 to more than 20,000 once complete, nearly doubling the number of seats available.
Key elements include replacing the existing South Stand with a new larger structure, filling in the four corners of the ground to add seats and expanding the North and East Stands.
The revised design also proposes new hospitality spaces, improved spectator facilities and a fan zone in the southwest corner of the venue.
The planning statement submitted by the club emphasises that the expansion is integral to Bournemouth’s long-term objectives.
The club have an ambition to push for European qualification by 2030 and to generate higher matchday revenue, reflecting their sustained presence in the top tier of English football.
Next steps and timeline of new Bournemouth stadium
If the club receives full planning approval, work is expected to progress in stages designed to avoid the need for Bournemouth to temporarily relocate for home matches.
Initial enabling works, already permitted, involve ground preparation, demolition of outdated structures and the laying of foundations for the new South Stand.
Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2026, with the first phase focused on the South Stand and corner infills, while subsequent years will see the expansions of the North and East Stands, with full completion expected by 2027-28.
The planning push comes after Bournemouth regained control of their stadium and surrounding land, removing a long-standing barrier that had previously complicated redevelopment aspirations.
Supporters have broadly welcomed the step forward, seeing it as validation of years of campaigning for a larger, more modern home. Local businesses are also hopeful the expanded stadium will boost footfall and economic activity on matchdays.
FGG Says
Bournemouth’s latest planning milestone is exactly the type of progress that can reshape a club’s long-term prospects, and doubling the Vitality Stadium’s capacity, while improving facilities will unlock commercial growth, enhance fan engagement and help the Cherries compete both on and off the pitch.