Reading have received
approval to increase the capacity of The Madejski Stadium to
38,000, with work due to begin in the summer of
2008.
The Madejski Stadium currently holds 24,161 and the expansion will
significantly increase the size of the ground.
After Reading Borough Council gave plans the thumbs up, Royals
chief executive Nigel Howe outlined the timescale for the
rebuilding work.
"Although we initially hoped that building work would start this
summer, a number of factors have to be addressed before work can
begin and we want to make sure the project is carried out properly
and not rushed," Howe told the club's official website.
"We have said all along that no final decisions had been made on
the finer detail of the design, and we will now take our time to
make sure that the right decisions are made.
"If we started now, the necessary enabling works would not be
completed in time for the start of the season, which means there
would be disruption to existing seats and that is something we have
always been very keen to avoid.
"As always, we will ensure that our supporters are kept fully
informed at every stage of the process."
Howe added: "This is great news and we are extremely pleased that
the Council have approved our plans.
"It's very exciting for both the football club, our fans and the
region as a whole.
"The expansion will allow us to take the club forward and further
improve the facilities for our supporters as we aim to become an
established force in the top flight."
