Sheffield Wednesday’s 22 million pounds (36 million dollars) redevelopment plan to turn their Hillsborough ground into “the biggest community stadium in the country” has been backed by local councillors.
The proposals, unanimously approved by Sheffield Council, will enable the Yorkshire club to achieve FIFA’s 2018 World Cup criteria should England succeed in their bid to host the tournament.
Club chairman Lee Strafford said on Tuesday: “Sheffield City Council has recognised the strong community aspects of our design and we’re looking forward to making Sheffield Wednesday an iconic home for our team, our supporters and our community fit for the 21st century.
“All fans would agree that Hillsborough is in need of investment and our next task is to secure funding for the various aspects of our proposals.”
Wednesday are currently playing in the second-tier Championship, a division below the lucrative Premier League, but the club are confident they can redevelop Hillsborough without amassing huge debts as they expect the finance to come from government grants and increased revenue.
Hillsborough achieved an unwanted place in sporting history 20 years ago when 96 Liverpool fans were crushed to death on terraces at the Leppings Lane end of the ground as a result of massive over-crowding during an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
Following the tragedy, Lord Justice Peter Taylor was commissioned to conduct an inquiry that would have a far-reaching impact on football, with his most significant recommendations the removal of perimeter fencing and the creation of all-seater stadiums at leading English grounds.
