MUFC Accessibility Works

Structural engineering associated with accessibility improvements at Manchester United's stadium at Old Trafford, including the development of a new accessible concourse serving the West Stand. The works formed part of a wider programme to improve provision for disabled supporters, introducing additional wheelchair-user and amenity positions together with the access routes, platforms and supporting facilities needed to serve them.

The project involved structural alterations and new construction within the constraints of an existing operational stadium, requiring careful consideration of the existing structure, interfaces, buildability and construction sequencing.

Structurally, inserting new accessible platforms into an existing stadium bowl means working within a structure built and extended over many decades. Existing terracing, rakers, columns and concourse slabs have to be surveyed and appraised, load paths verified, and new steelwork connected to and supported by structure that was never detailed with the new works in mind. Sightlines, egress capacity, spectator loading and crowd dynamic effects all constrain the arrangement, and every intervention has to be reinstated to a safe, certifiable condition.

Carl contributed to the structural engineering design and delivery of the project while employed at Curtins, working within the consultant design team. The project forms part of Carl Bebbington's wider professional experience in hotels, stadia, sports and leisure environments.