The Saints’ contractors, Buckingham Group, have been extremely busy, with up to 70 workers on site at any one time.
Externally the steelwork is now in place, with the wraparound into the Church’s Stand completed. Meanwhile the roofing is nearly all in place, with external cladding expected to be put in place over the next fortnight.
Glazing is also beginning to be installed, with the seats themselves anticipated to be arriving into the stand in October.
Meanwhile there has also been plenty of work being done internally, with concrete laid on all three floors and brickwork built.
You can see a behind-the-scenes tour of the Barwell Stand at www.youtube.com/SaintsTV with the latest pictures at www.facebook.com/OfficialNorthamptonSaints
Supporters can be a part of history by snapping up tickets for the Saints’ Aviva Premiership clash with Saracens on Saturday, November 7th, which will be the first game to be played in front of the new Barwell Stand. Tickets are available now at www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/buytickets with Season Ticket information for the Barwell Stand available at www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/seasontickets
The Barwell Stand represents the most significant change to have happened at Franklin’s Gardens in a decade, and as such there are some major amendments to match day operations at the stadium, including:
- A change in block designation, from letters to numbers
- Supporters to be encouraged to watch warm-up from their seats to avoid disruption and restricted flow of pedestrians moving from the Village to the Barwell Stand
- Allowing plenty of time to access the stadium, not least with 2,000 additional supporters, two new turnstile blocks and new equipment all being used for the first time on November 7th
- Bar and toilet facilities, especially in the north end of the Church’s Stand, where the site office has necessitated the closure of the West Stand Bar (although new alternative facilities will be available)
Further details will be announced closer to the start of the season.
