BDP Pattern Design for new Brighton and Hove Albion fan zone approved

The proposed experiential building on site at the Seagull’s stadium in Falmer will provide a sheltered, semi-enclosed environment for up to 1,000 people to enjoy an unrivalled pre-turnstile and post-match experience. It will act as a new visitor arrival hub, meeting the needs of fans and visitors on match and non–match days with food and beverage facilities complementing and enhancing the visitor amenities already available in and around the existing stadium.

The design of the new Fan Zone is inspired by the character of the UK’s traditional market halls as well as some more contemporary market spaces such as the emerging, BDP-designed BOXPARKs. The geometry of the design fits into the topography of the existing landscape at the confluence of the south and east stadium outer concourses at the foot of the South Downs.

It is designed as a two-storey structure. The ground floor welcomes visitors into the venue through large, movable walls and then in to a central, double–height social space served by multiple food and beverage providers. The first-floor level contains a further bar, seating and social space, all benefiting from views out over a market hall space.

The building footprint is defined by the railway boundary to the north, and the external concourse of the stadium to the south and west. The plan form facilitates seamless people movement for event-day crowd flows.

The roof of the new structure overhangs the building footprint, providing passive solar shade and shelter for visitors, both inside and outside the building, including on the seating steps that are feathered into the natural slope of the site.

The Fan Zone will also double up as an industry-leading leisure venue on non-matchdays for sports screenings, music gigs and other events.

Architect Director at BDP Pattern, Jon-Scott Kohli explained the design: “This Fan Zone at the American Express Stadium will be a best-in class experience for fans to meet, gather and enjoy a variety of activities. It creates a much-needed, all weather space that can be used throughout the year.”

“We have used all our experience working with Premier League clubs and designing similar multiuse venues, to create something that can be used widely by Albion fans and become a hub for supporters and the local community alike. We know that this building can accommodate away-match screenings, act as a fan zone for Euro 2024, host student events, live music shows and create opportunities for events that bring the people of Brighton together.”

Chief executive and deputy chairman of Brighton and Hove Albion, Paul Barber said: “I am sure fans will be extremely excited to see these plans and designs have been approved by Brighton and Hove City Council, and this is another incredibly generous investment by our chairman Tony Bloom.

"We all loved the BOXPARK experience on our two most recent trips to Wembley, and we wanted to give supporters something similar for every home game at the Amex.

"The new Fan Zone will provide an excellent pre-and-post-match experience, in an even bigger pre-turnstile bar, with a modern and innovative fit out and a wide variety of food and drink offerings, using the best local Sussex suppliers wherever possible."

The Brighton and Hove Albion Fan Zone will also have a positive impact on the local economy and local suppliers, creating more than 50 full and part-time jobs.