SIXFIELDS STADIUM
The Taylor Report has created a situation whereby clubs are seeking an innovating, cost effective way of meeting the demanded recommendations. In many cases clubs will chose to redevelop their existing ground where possible, although in some cases this is not possible and therefore the need arises for clubs to relocate. Football Clubs and Local Councils now appreciate that what appeared to be problem in achieving this can, with sound advice, become an exciting opportunity resulting in the Community having an attractive new facility which can be utilised for numerous sporting fixtures and entertainment events such as pop concerts.
The Main West Stand can accommodate 4,000 seated spectators and incorporates a glazed upper concourse for supporters with refreshment facilities. The ground floor includes changing facilities, provisions for First Aiders, Stewards and Match Officials, there is also a Supporters bar complimented by several Executive Lounges and a Restaurant.
The Dave Bowen Stand (North) and South Stands are identical, each containing just under 1,000 seats and both are capable of future extension. Similarly the Alwyn Hargraves Stand (East Stand) is also capable of extension, and incorporates modern changing facilities for the Athletics Club, an All Weather track and provides space for the Football in the Community office.
As recommended, 1% of the Stadium capacity is allocated for wheelchair users. Wheelchair spectators have the choice of viewing matches from any Stand, there is also an elevated section in the East Stand solely for wheelchair users which is accessible via a lift. All wheelchair spaces have accompanying companion/carer seats.
Visiting supporters are situated in the South Stand, if as occasionally is the case that the visitors require more than the capacity of the South Stand then a further 423 East Stand seats can be made available. Parking for supporters coaches is adjacent to the South Stand.
Northampton Town Football Club offices and the Club shop are located in the South West corner of the Stadium on two floors, along with the match control tower.
The commercial and financial backing, experience and resources available through Ballast Nedam NV provide the high level of reassurance demanded by today's discerning customer. Ballast Nedam's UK head office is located in Bromley, Kent and there are long established regional offices throughout the country.
Ballast Nedam have designed and built Stadiums and sports facilities throughout Europe and in the United Kingdom. The current track record and reputation of the company paid dividends when they were awarded the coveted contract to build the 50,000 all seater multi-purpose Stadium (with sliding roof!) in Amsterdam which was completed in 1996 and is the home ground for Ajax Football Club.
The Ballast Nedam construction design team for the Sixfields Stadium included Architects, Taylor Tulip & Hunter and Consulting Engineers, Hutter Jennings & Titchmarch, appointed for their considerable expertise in stadia design. This partnership were also involved in the construction of the impressive South Stand at Newcastle United Football Club's at St James' Park. This is in addition to the completion of the 11,100 all seater Sir John Hall Stand.
Both Taylor Tulip & Hunter, and Hutter Jennings & Titchmarch operate advanced computer aided design systems which play an import role in the design process. The computer modelling facility at Taylor Tulip & Hunter has enabled the team to generate images of the "finished" structure, whilst still at a very early stage of design as well as allowing for the checking of access and sight lines in 3-Dimension.
