Capita project manager on Bristol City FC

Capita Symonds is providing project management, cost management and CDMC services on the proposed Bristol City FC’s new £60m stadium.

The scheme has received a ‘minded to approve’ verdict from the local council’s Planning Committee. It is expected to be completed in 2012.

Situated in the Ashton Vale area of the city, just 1km from the team’s current home at Ashton Gate, the new stadium will have a 30,000 capacity which could be expanded to 42,000 if England hosts the World Cup in 2018.

The stadium will be a 24/7 venue capable of holding events such as concerts, conferences, banquets and trade shows, as well as acting as a hub for community led enterprises.

Colin Sexstone, Bristol City chief executive, said: "It's a good result. A few extra things have been added in and we'll have to look at that closely.

The positive side is we've got through this big hurdle. There are a few more to go, but this is good news.

I'm hopeful there is no inquiry and we'll be doing everything possible to ensure this doesn't get delayed by 12 months; an inquiry would do that."

Although an eight-versus-one majority verdict was reached, as the application is on green belt land it will now be referred to the secretary of state who will decide whether to ‘call in’ the application for an inquiry.