New stadium update...

[Howard_lfc]

OK, I was talking to my architect mate again last night and apparently AFL are very confident that their revised design will get the nod over the much more expensive HKS stadium. Both firms have been asked for plans and costs and the AFL design is coming in around £200m less than HKS.

He says the boardroom at AFL is full of images of their amended plans and he says it looks awesome with a much bigger Kop rising at one end (to accommodate the extra 10,000 fans) and two Wembley-style arches over the stadium. Unfortunately, however, he can't sneak any photos out so you'll have to take his (and my) word for it.

Apparently G & H have already had several meetings with one of AFL's senior partners (I know his name but won't publish it here) and the Manchester firm think they will get the nod.

That is all...

Thanks for the update on this RS4.

[AFII]

OK, I was talking to my architect mate again last night and apparently AFL are very confident that their revised design will get the nod over the much more expensive HKS stadium. Both firms have been asked for plans and costs and the AFL design is coming in around £200m less than HKS.

He says the boardroom at AFL is full of images of their amended plans and he says it looks awesome with a much bigger Kop rising at one end (to accommodate the extra 10,000 fans) and two Wembley-style arches over the stadium. Unfortunately, however, he can't sneak any photos out so you'll have to take his (and my) word for it.

Apparently G & H have already had several meetings with one of AFL's senior partners (I know his name but won't publish it here) and the Manchester firm think they will get the nod.

That is all...

[rushscored4]

If its impressive and £200 mill less then im all for it, what id be disappointed in is if we end up with a ****ty generic stadium.

If its impressive and cheaper then lets se it. Cheers RS4

can you ask him if its generic looking?

I really like the latest design from HKS, and i will be extremely dissapointed if we go back to a "standard" looking stadium.

Would new planning have to be given? and in your mates opinion which is more of the architectural gem, theirs or the Americans? Is their designed one going to look like the IKEA styled one model for all football club stadium?

Thanks for the update on this RS4.

I haven't seen it but my mate is very impressed and prefers it to the HKS design (and he has no axe to grind, he's a contractor). The difference in cost is mostly down to the steel 'overhang' on the HKS plans which uses a hell of a lot of expensive steel cladding but doesn't add to the capacity or create any extra internal space. In other words, an extra £200m for a nice, aesthetic feature which is completely useless!

Personally, I love the HKS design and would be sorry if we don't build it but good architecture is the best combination of design and function and not just about having the prettiest looks.

[Roboklopp]

Cheers.

So, just to refresh (it's been so long since the 1st mail I've forgot), the new new new one to which you refer will be 70k all in, no room for expansion?

[Roboklopp]

Oh, & I agree about the HKS one, not to mention the fact we'll look silly when we've already aired the old new new design to half the world.

[Scratch]

Is their any chance the G&H are trying to force HKS to lower their estimated cost, by generating competition?

[thekop]

Oh ****. I can imagine what that's gonna look like then 200,000 seater with room for expansion

[Dhav]

Oh, & I agree about the HKS one, not to mention the fact we'll look silly when we've already aired the old new new design to half the world.

Disappointing news. I can only hope that if we do go back to AFL or whatever they are called that their design is much improved.

[Dhav]

Apparently G & H have already had several meetings with one of AFL's senior partners (I know his name but won't publish it here) and the Manchester firm think they will get the nod.

That is all...

Hmmm - they have had time to meet with AFL but not with Rafa

[Michael]

I haven't seen it but my mate is very impressed and prefers it to the HKS design (and he has no axe to grind, he's a contractor). The difference in cost is mostly down to the steel 'overhang' on the HKS plans which uses a hell of a lot of expensive steel cladding but doesn't add to the capacity or create any extra internal space. In other words, an extra £200m for a nice, aesthetic feature which is completely useless!

Personally, I love the HKS design and would be sorry if we don't build it but good architecture is the best combination of design and function and not just about having the prettiest looks.

Mate

You've just included a lot of stuff I said the other day and I just want to confirm that I am not your source!!

[Michael]

My friend, please do not make statements like this and pretend to be an authority on the matter.

The new design carries a significant risk (cost). The cladding system looks extremely expensive, there are large areas of structural glazing and some significant unsupported cantilevers. All significant cost items over the original design.

Also, the ability to expand will also have cost implications.

Contractors risk allowance has also increased with the 'unique' design....

You're an Architect, which means you have little idea how much or how buildable such a structure would be.

Please do not mislead members who will take your comments in good faith.

Now go back to your door schedule!

You see! ..... So I can confirm that I am not your source!

[chrispy]

but with a crap "this is new anfield" font

[bobbyfallon]

so this being the third 'new' design is the capacity starting at 60,000 and rising or fixed or whats goin on ??? ****ing yanks. i remember them saying the spade must be in the ground shortly etc

[blacky]

If the stadium capacity is 70k and we save 200 million then I am happy insofar as there is less debt being put on the club. The fans and the atmosphere generated inside the stadium is what Anfield is famous for anyway not aesthetics.

[Roboklopp]

If the stadium capacity is 70k and we save 200 million then I am happy insofar as there is less debt being put on the club. The fans and the atmosphere generated inside the stadium is what Anfield is famous for anyway not aesthetics.

Accoustics & environment are a vital part of atmosphere creation.

Whatever happened to "the best stadium in the world"?

Charlatans.