HOW WE GOT INVOLVED
Edge Structural Design has developed a strong working relationship with the current owners of Oldham Athletic Football Club, having successfully delivered a number of structural engineering projects across Boundary Park Stadium. Through this ongoing partnership, we have gained a detailed understanding of the stadium’s infrastructure, operational requirements and the club’s long-term vision for improving the matchday experience.
As part of their continued investment in the stadium, the club identified that spectator movement between the main concourse and the seating areas was restricted, particularly during peak periods before kick-off and at half-time. The existing access arrangements created congestion and limited the flow of supporters entering and leaving the stands.
Having worked closely with the club on previous projects, we were invited to assess the issue and develop a structural engineering solution for a new vomitory opening. Our familiarity with the existing stadium structure enabled us to quickly identify the engineering challenges and propose a practical, cost-effective design that could be constructed with minimal disruption to the operation of the stadium.
WHAT WE DID
Edge Structural Design was appointed to deliver the structural engineering design for the creation of a new vomitory within the existing Joe Royle Stand at Boundary Park Stadium. Our role was to develop a safe and practical structural solution that would allow a new access opening to be formed through the existing steel and precast concrete stadium structure.
We carried out a detailed assessment of the existing stand before designing the permanent structural alterations required to accommodate the new opening. This included the design of new structural steel beams to redistribute the loads from the existing precast concrete terracing, ensuring the integrity of the stand was maintained following the removal of sections of the original structure.The design was developed to satisfy the demanding loading requirements associated with sports stadiums, including crowd loading, whilst also considering the practical constraints of constructing the works within an operational stadium.
Throughout the project, we worked closely with the client and contractor to produce an efficient, coordinated design that could be constructed safely and with minimal disruption to the stadium.
WHY WE’RE PROUD OF IT
We are particularly proud of this project because it demonstrates the positive impact that structural engineering can have on the local community. As a business based in Greater Manchester, it is especially rewarding to contribute to the continued development of one of the region’s most recognisable sporting venues and to support a club that plays such an important role in the local area.
The new vomitory has improved the movement of spectators between the concourse and the seating areas, helping to enhance the overall matchday experience for thousands of supporters. Knowing that our engineering solution contributes to a safer, more accessible and more enjoyable environment for fans is something we take great pride in.
This project also reflects the trust that Oldham Athletic Football Club has placed in Edge Structural Design through our ongoing working relationship. Being invited to deliver another key element of the stadium’s redevelopment is a testament to the confidence the client has in our technical expertise and our ability to provide practical solutions.
