Stadium Latest: AFC Bournemouth's Race Against Time Before Everton Clash

AFC Bournemouth's redevelopment of Dean Court is continuing at a rapid pace, with significant progress visible across the stadium as the club works towards its next major deadline.

With Bournemouth due to host Everton on Saturday, August 29, attention is increasingly turning towards whether the various areas currently under construction will be ready in time.

During a visit to the stadium on Sunday, August 16th, activity was still evident both inside and outside the ground, with tradespeople continuing work across multiple areas of the redevelopment.

One of the most striking changes came on the pitch itself.

At just after 1pm, the playing surface was still awaiting its full set of markings. However, within approximately 20 minutes, the process had been completed using autonomous GPS line-marking technology.

The technology, which operates with centimetre-level accuracy, allows the lines to be applied automatically and efficiently.

With the markings completed and the perimeter astroturf now laid, the pitch is beginning to look increasingly ready for the return of Premier League football.

The redevelopment is not simply focused on the visible external structure.

Internally, work is continuing across hospitality and other areas of the stadium, with tradespeople involved in carpeting, painting, glazing, wallpapering and electrical work.

An advert for tradespeople to assist with wallpapering within the stadium was recently circulated, highlighting the scale of the work still taking place behind the scenes.

While the 2:21 Lounge on the east side of the stadium appears to be nearing completion, there remains further work to be carried out elsewhere, including within the Gallery.

The transformation of the former Top Floor restaurant is continuing, with its floor-to-ceiling windows set to provide views across the pitch once complete.

Perhaps the most obvious signs of progress can be found in the stadium's north-west and south-east corners.

Concrete terracing has been installed in the south-east corner, with the new rows beginning to integrate with the existing East Stand seating.

Further concrete slabs are still required above the emergency access tunnel, while work will also be needed on the accessible viewing platform.

The lift shaft is already in place and will eventually provide access for wheelchair and motorised wheelchair users.

Meanwhile, the north-west corner is progressing quickly. Steelwork has risen rapidly over the past week, with the structure taking shape alongside the existing lift shaft.

Unlike the south-east corner, there is no emergency access tunnel in this section, meaning the area will eventually be dedicated to additional seating.

The removal of vertical struts previously located alongside the Main Stand has also made the scale of the changes more apparent.

External cladding has continued to be installed around the redevelopment.

Additional sections that were incomplete during the previous update have now been added, while support structures are also in place for further cladding to be installed - primarily on the ground floors of the wing extensions.

Several openings have also been cut into the new exterior, potentially for ventilation or other building services.

There has also been further fencing installed around the stadium footprint, while the perimeter fence in the north-west has now been completed as it meets the existing brick structure which was located behind the old Great Escape.

Gates are still expected to be added to assist with pedestrian egress and, where required, access for coaches.

Away from the main stadium structure, there are signs that the South Stand car park is beginning to take shape.

Materials remain stored around certain areas, but much of the site appears clearer than in previous weeks.

Steelwork, concrete slabs and other construction materials are increasingly being positioned closer to where they will eventually be installed rather than scattered across the wider car park.

Some of the materials appear to be associated with the stadium's internal fit-out, with boxes visibly marked for areas including Cherry Orchard.

Landscaping work has also taken place in the South Stand car park, where an overgrown section containing trees has been cleared.

The area is expected to provide additional parking spaces.

Significant work is also continuing on pedestrian access around Dean Court.

A new diverted route is beginning to take shape around the outside broadcast compound and will eventually connect with the existing path towards Littledown.

There is still further work required, including tarmacking, kerbing and cable work around existing lampposts.

The route is expected to become an important artery for supporters travelling around the stadium, with the existing route eventually due to be closed as part of the redevelopment.

Elsewhere, the outside broadcast compound has been partly tarmacked, while previously exposed facilities have now been encased in green glass-reinforced plastic.

Inside the stadium, the new tunnel and dugouts are now in place.

While images of the internal redevelopment have been limited, the visible changes offer an indication of the wider transformation taking place throughout the ground.

The lack of photographs from inside certain areas is understandable given the club's likely desire to control the eventual reveal of the new facilities, while commercially sensitive information and security considerations may also be a factor.

With the Everton fixture fast approaching, construction progress is only part of the equation.

The redeveloped areas will need to satisfy the relevant safety requirements before they can be opened to supporters.

According to information referenced in the voiceover, an inspection may have taken place on Friday involving the Premier League or an organisation working in connection with the Sports Grounds Safety Authority.

The checks associated with stadium safety can cover a wide range of areas, including structural safety, capacity, crowd movement, spectator accommodation, emergency exits, evacuation procedures, fire safety, crowd management, stewarding and control room operations.

Some elements may already have been assessed, but with substantial work still visible around the stadium, further checks are likely to be required before the full picture becomes clear.

The coming days will be crucial.

There is still steelwork to install, concrete to be lifted into place, pedestrian routes to complete and internal areas to finish.

The foundations for new turnstile canopies are visible in the south-east corner, although it remains unclear whether these will be completed in time for Bournemouth's opening home fixtures.

Should certain areas not be ready, temporary access arrangements may be required, potentially diverting supporters around the perimeter of the stadium.

However, the speed of progress over recent weeks has demonstrated just how much can change in a matter of days.

With the north-west corner rising rapidly, the south-east terraces taking shape, the pitch looking increasingly match-ready and internal work continuing around the clock, AFC Bournemouth's stadium redevelopment is entering one of its most important phases yet.

The countdown to the Everton fixture is now firmly on - and the race to get Dean Court ready continues.