Spectacular new home of football on course to be ready by Spring

Wednesday 18 December 2024

The pitch is down, the seats are in, the turnstiles are finished - Guernsey’s new home of football at Victoria Park is on track to be open by Spring.

Work continues on the internals of the building containing the changing rooms and GFA office and the clubhouse, while the car park and landscaping is also under way.

Gary Roberts, CEO of Guernsey FA, said: "It's great to see Victoria Park taking shape, and 10 years on since planning began, we're pleased that the project is well on track. The new 3G pitch will provide Guernsey football with a high-quality all-weather surface, so seeing it going down has been a particularly special moment.

"The stadium's development means the whole community will benefit from experiencing football on a world-class playing surface, and we're looking forward to welcoming players and fans to enjoy all the facilities Victoria Park will offer."

Pictured: Victoria Park in November. Since then work like the canopies being put on the stands have been finished.

Rob Jones, Director of Victoria Park, said: "The buzz that Victoria Park is already creating has been incredible, so we're really pleased that the project is on schedule and, hopefully, we'll be greeting players and fans through the turnstiles next spring.

"Victoria Park will realise an exciting new era for Guernsey football and we're thrilled that the community is already supporting us, from sponsors who are keen to get involved to clubs and players looking forward to getting their boots on the pitch, it's a really exciting time."

Over the summer, a key focus has been preparing the site for Victoria Park's 3G artificial pitch.

The turf has been engineered for professional football and is used in major competitions, including FIFA World Cup qualification matches and the UEFA Champions League.

The green 'carpet' comprises a 40mm pile height laid over a 10mm prefabricated foam shock pad. Its surface is a blend of grass-like fibres attached to a special backing with a mix of sand and rubber brushed in with the white pitch lines cut into the surface. It will provide the stadium with a year-round playing surface.

Pictured: The 3G pitch.

Rihoy & Son, the main contractor, has also been busy completing groundworks and Victoria Park's substantial spectator stands.

Comprising seated stands across the north and south touchlines and two standing structures at the goal ends, they are made from high-grade galvanised steel and were prefabricated in the UK for easier on-site assembly and fitting. Canopies have now been installed.

The clubhouse and changing rooms are made from cavity blockwork, which will either be painted or finished with bespoke Victoria Park artwork. Aluminium roofs complete the infrastructure, while timber cladding has been fixed to both to complement the venue's rural setting.

For more news and information on Victoria Park, visit: victoriapark.gg and follow the stadium's social media channels on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram.