Glenn Howells Architects (GHA) and Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) have been shortlisted for a competition to design Forest Green Rovers’ stadium in Gloucestershire, UK.
There were almost 50 entries worldwide, with firms from countries such as France, Sweden, Germany, and the US alongside leading British firms.
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The new stadium design must be able to accomodate 5,000 people and will serve as the prime aspect of a £100m Eco Park development, a proposal for a 100 acre sports and green technology business park located beside junction 13 of the M5 motorway in Gloucestershire.
Ecotricity’s founder and Forest Green Rovers’ chairman Dale Vince said: "The diversity and quality of the designs were outstanding and it was a very difficult process narrowing it down from nine to two."
ZHA’s director Jim Heverin said: "We are very honoured to be selected as one of the final two architects. The selection allows us to continue working with Forest Green Rovers’ team to deliver a stadium and landscape design using timber construction, which embodies the virtues of beauty and sustainability in this unique Stroud countryside location."
The competition was organised by leading sports procurement consultants FWP. Out of 50 entries, nine architect firms were shortlisted, which then had five weeks to prepare and present their designs in more depth. Out of the nine firms, two designs were selected. The winning design will be unveiled in September.
Around 50% of Eco Park will be made of sporting facilities, including the new stadium, as well as grass and all-weather training pitches, publicly accessible multi-disciplinary facilities, and a sports science hub.
The other 50% will consist of a green technology business park with sustainably built commercial offices and light industrial units.
Image: Zaha Hadid Architects’ concept of Forest Green’s new sports stadium. Photo: courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects.
