JackArmy.net Morfa News - 19th September 2003
Morfa News - 19th September 2003 |
ROOF TO SHED LIGHT ON NEW STADIUM South Wales Evening Post - Friday 19th September 2003 The New Morfa Stadium is to have a specialist translucent roof to let in extra light and avoid the same turf problems suffered at the Millennium Stadium. Cardiff's showpiece sports ground has struggled with its playing surface since it opened in 1999. Its huge vertical stands and moveable roof make it difficult for the grass to get the light it needs to grow. This has contributed to the pitch being relaid numerous times. But the roofing area above the stands of Swansea's long-awaited £24 million stadium will let light through and the ground's four corners will be open to allow extra light and air to circulate. Swansea Council's cabinet member for culture and recreation Robert Francis Davies said: "Morfa is a truly 21st century stadium. The translucent roof will ensure that the sunlight penetrates the stadium and enable the grass to grow. This will mean we avoid the well-documented pitch problems at the Millennium Stadium." The pitch is designed to host 62 games a season and will be seeded and grown on site. Ugo Valerio from Friends of Swansea City Football Association and the Swansea City Travel Club said: "As a football supporter it's important the pitch is in good condition. The pitch at the Vetch has been fantastic this season and there has been some great football played. But it needs a chance to get rain, sun and wind on it to let it grow." Specific details about the new 20,000 all-seater development were released for the first time during a Swansea Council cabinet meeting yesterday. It will also boast facilities such as 29 executive suites, catering kiosks, a supporters bar, two hospitality suites, a conference and banqueting suite, a sponsors bar and club shop. There will also be comprehensive team accommodation, offices and media facilities. To boost income from the stadium, which will be home to the Neath-Swansea Ospreys and Swansea City, the hospitality rooms will be available for wedding receptions, banquets and other functions. The stadium will also be used for pop or rock concerts so special arrangements have been made so articulated lorries can get into the arena. Other stadia have not been able to host such events because the tunnel access to the arena is too low. Swansea-based Interserve was officially confirmed as the projects main contractor at the meeting yesterday. The company has already completed preparatory work for the site on the River Tawe's west bank. |
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