Cambridge United advance Cledara Abbey Stadium redevelopment plans
Bosses are telling fans to expect stadium designs by end of year
Cambridge United are moving forward with plans to redevelop its historic Cledara Abbey Stadium, with the Club aiming to release design details by the end of the year. Chief Executive Alex Tunbridge provided an update to fans on the project’s progress, highlighting five key areas crucial to advancing the stadium’s modernisation.
“Cambridge United is seeking to modernise for the long term as a Club, and the stadium redevelopment is at the heart of that,” Tunbridge stated. “We had hoped to set out plans in the summer, but the timetable has slipped to the end of the year.”
The Club’s vision for the stadium includes balancing increased capacity and modernised facilities with preserving the historic elements that define Cledara Abbey. “The Cledara Abbey Stadium is one of the last of its kind in the professional game. It is steeped in history, heritage and memories, which is why buying it back was so important to our owners,” Tunbridge said. “We need to increase capacity, improve facilities at all levels, and in turn, drive income to allow us to be more competitive on the pitch.”
The redevelopment includes plans to update the Habbin Stand with a 3,300-seat home supporters’ section featuring enhanced hospitality and family facilities. The Newmarket Road End (NRE) will be replaced with a 3,500-capacity terrace, adaptable for safe standing, alongside a new Club Shop, Offices, and Museum. An agreement with the Supporters Club will facilitate the development of a new facility, allowing space for the expanded NRE and a repositioning of the pitch.
To secure the long-term financial sustainability of the project, Cambridge United has been collaborating with Bluerock Sports to conduct feasibility studies on operating models and layouts. “Since the turn of the year, we have been working with Bluerock Sports to carry out a variety of feasibility studies, exploring operating models, layouts, and local needs,” said Tunbridge. “Creating spaces for community and commercial activities will be key to the future.”
The Club’s owners continue to support the redevelopment, having funded the training ground and stadium buyback. However, the project’s scale necessitates further investment. “Our owners have continued to invest significantly, but a project of this scale requires substantial capital,” Tunbridge noted. “Their ambition for the Club is stronger than ever.”
Logistical challenges have also been considered, with Cambridge United exploring methods to minimise disruptions and costs. “The order in which we do things will be key to ensure the most efficient delivery,” said Tunbridge, noting the project’s tight footprint near the city centre. The Club plans to begin construction in a way that minimises disruption for fans, though capacity constraints are expected at times.
Planning consultations with fans and local residents will begin soon, with a targeted planning application submission by summer 2025. Wrenbridge Sport, who led the training ground project, will oversee the planning process, including surveys and studies on transport, ecology, community benefits, and architectural design.
Reflecting on the Club’s relationships with the wider community, Tunbridge acknowledged local support for the project and its potential contribution to the city’s future growth. “There is a real appreciation for the work that the football club does for the community through the Foundation,” he added. “We have been grateful for the positive engagement on this project by so many.”