National League side Forest Green Rovers has opened an int'l design competition for "a new sustainable and 'fan-focused' stadium near Stroud in Gloucestershire," according to Merlin Fulcher of the ARCHITECTS' JOURNAL. Chaired by green energy company Ecotricity Founder Dale Vince, the all-vegan club is seeking "sustainable and future proof" proposals for its new home ground. Forest Green Rovers is currently second in the National League and "vying for promotion into the football league." The contest -- organized with Preston-based architects and sports specialist Frank Whittle Partnership -- "will select a design team for the new ‘iconic’ arena and may provide runners-ups with opportunities to design surrounding environmentally-friendly structures." Vince said, "We'll be looking for radical, fan-focused stadium designs. Sustainability will be key. First, it's about sustainable construction, in terms of the material used, and second, it's about the long-term operational stability of the stadium." The proposed stadium is part of a planned £100M ($141M) Eco Park "next to junction 13 on the M5 and on either side of the A419 heading into Stroud." Submitted for planning in January, the 40.5 hectare development "will feature commercial offices, light industrial units and a new base for Ecotricity." All-weather training pitches, multi-disciplinary sports facilities, a nature reserve and a sports hub "will meanwhile surround the stadium" (ARCHITECTS JOURNAL, 3/23).
