NEW PHOTOS: Bournemouth Announce Timetable Change For Stadium Development Works

AFC Bournemouth have confirmed that work on the redevelopment of Vitality Stadium is continuing to make significant progress, however extra work days are being allocated to the timetable to give the development teams the best chance of ensuring the facility is readied by the first home game of the season against Everton on August 29th.

The latest action at Dean Court has seen the arrival and erection of the steels which make up part of the two corners - firstly the south-east, where the terrace is taking shape already between the East Stand and the Ted Macdougall stand, and then the north-west corner - which, after a few delays, will be the next to have steels in place.

The redevelopment is one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the club's history, designed to increase the stadium's capacity while delivering improved facilities for supporters, players, visitors and the wider community as Bournemouth prepares for its long-term future. The capacity will go from 11,3000 to over 20,000 - albeit for this season, the rises will be modest.

Bournemouth confirmed that construction will continue across several key phases in the coming weeks, including structural work, steel installation, cladding, roofing, internal fit-outs and wider infrastructure improvements - which include dedicated pathways for the increased footfall.

To help keep the project on schedule ahead of the new season, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has approved a temporary extension to weekend working hours. Construction will take place from 8am to 6pm on Saturdays (August 8, 15 and 22) and 9am to 4pm on Sundays (August 9, 16 and 23).

The club stressed that the extended hours are only temporary and are intended to support a crucial stage of the redevelopment.

Up until this point, work has had to cease on Saturdays at 1pm, whereas on a Sunday - no heavy machinery could be operated whatsoever. Part of this reason was to save any disturbance to neighbours in the immediate vicinity, which includes residents in Middletown Gardens and Thistlebarrow Road.

As such, Cherries reiterated its commitment to minimising disruption for nearby residents. Measures include carefully sequencing work, limiting weekend external activity to areas away from residential boundaries where possible, maintaining regular communication with BCP Council's Environmental Health Team and neighbouring residents, and continually reviewing construction methods to reduce noise and disturbance.

Bournemouth also added that they are working closely with their principal contractor to ensure all works are carried out responsibly and in line with the agreed Construction Environmental Management Plan.

In the statement, published on afcb.co.uk, the club thanked supporters, local residents and the wider community for their continued patience, describing the redevelopment as a major investment in both AFC Bournemouth's future and the local area.