Women’s stadium to be built next to the Amex

A dedicated stadium for Albion’s women team is being built next to the Amex – the first purpose built women’s football stadium in Europe.

Brighton and Hove Albion said today work has begun on a planning application for the new women’s stadium located at Bennett’s Field, which the club bought last year.

It has been designed with a minimum capacity of 10,000 and will be physically connected to the Amex via a new bridge link.

The sloping nature of Bennett’s Field will allow the stadium to accommodate underground parking facilities, while still providing level access for spectators.

The club says it wants the stadium to open no later than the 2030/31 season, subject to planning approval from both Brighton and Hove City Council and Lewes District Council.

Women’s managing director Zoe Johnson said, “The prospect of a bespoke stadium, built exclusively for women’s players, staff and supporters, is incredibly exciting.

“It is a project that is the first of its kind in the UK and Europe, and one of only three in the world, and will capture the imagination of stakeholders across the women’s game, not just here but globally.

“It is something we are asked about constantly, and we have worked hard to reach this moment, so it is exciting now to share this news with the wider world.

“It will help us push forward our ambitions to compete consistently both domestically in the Women’s Super League, and also in European club competition, while helping us to attract key staff and grow a passionate fan base.

“We also hope the stadium can support academy and development fixtures, giving more of our younger players valuable experience of playing in a purpose-built stadium environment.”

Chair of Albion Women Michelle Walder said: “We are determined to maintain the momentum built in recent years, not just nationally but here in the city.

“A stadium ‘built for her’ is an ambitious statement of intent – it’s an exciting commitment and will establish Brighton and Hove on the global map as a genuine home for the women’s game.

“Delivering these plans is central to accelerating the long-term growth of our women’s team and the future of the wider game.”

Albion chairman Tony Bloom said: “Since we announced our intention to build a stadium for the women’s team in Brighton and Hove, we have seen unprecedented interest locally, nationally and internationally.

“It is a topic I am regularly asked about by many of our fans, clearly indicating the growing level of interest and potential for women’s football.

“It is a significant further investment in our long term vision for women’s football at Brighton & Hove Albion. A women’s stadium in the city is essential to the continued growth of the team.

“We strongly believe it will strengthen our ability to attract elite talent, help develop our younger players for the future, support the growth of our fan base, and create a genuine sense of belonging around the women’s game.”

Chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber said: “Our new women’s stadium, the first of its kind in the UK and Europe, and one of only three in the world, is a powerful statement of our ambitions and will be integral to driving further momentum for the growth of women’s and girls’ football, not just in the UK but across the world.

“With a capacity aligned to Women’s Super League regulations, the stadium reflects our clear belief in right sizing the stadium to grow the fan base sustainably.”