Project Overview
Ahead of Sunderland AFC’s return to the Premier League for the 2025/2026 season, a programme of major upgrades was undertaken to prepare the Stadium of Light and elevate the matchday experience for fans. Working alongside the Club and foodservice and hospitality provider, Delaware North, we supported the delivery of these works, with a focus on concourse upgrades and enhanced premium food and beverage services.
An Ambitious Hospitality and Concourse Upgrade Programme
We were engaged by the client in Spring 2025, to support the ambitious programme of work which included:
- Upgrading the former James Herriot Suite into Banks on The Wear, a members-only 116-cover hospitality space. The scope of work for this 3,000 sq. ft space led by Michelin Star restaurateur and dedicated SAFC fan, Tommy Banks, included a new bar, premium booth and table seating, lounge space on entry, external terrace seating, and a new kitchen to support F&B operations across the stadium.
- Upgrading the existing Black Cats Bar into 76 Yards. This more casual dining concept, again led by chef Tommy Banks, included the refurbishment of the existing 8,500 sq. ft internal space, starting with a full strip-out. The scope included alterations to the existing bars, a new open kitchen kiosk, installation of new internal partitions to reconfigure the space, high banquette seating and fixed premium booths, alongside upgraded finishes such as a feature ceiling, new lighting and MEP alterations. Additionally, a new F&B concept was to be introduced for ‘Tommy’s Pie Shop’ to align with the new food offering.
- To upgrade the stadium concourses. This project would not only focus on improved F&B offerings, with upgraded kiosks and the introduction of self-service beer technology, but also on a full cosmetic refresh, utilising striking murals which pay homage to club legends.
Procurement Strategy and Contractor Appointment
Given the scale and complexity of the programme, we organised procurement strategy workshops with the Club and Delaware North following appointment to establish a masterplan for delivering the stadium upgrades ahead of the new season.
With the designs for both Banks on the Wear and 76 Yards progressing well, it was agreed that the projects would be procured through two different workstreams to mitigate programme risk. Following the conclusion of the tender process, this enabled us to quickly appoint preferred contractors and complete both schemes within an 11-week programme.
With the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup also scheduled to take place at the Stadium of Light, focus then turned to delivering the concourse upgrades as an additional phase ahead of the event.
Delivering the Concourse Upgrades Under Tight Timelines
As the design for Banks on the Wear and 76 Yards progressed and procurement for these phases was underway, our focus turned to the concourse upgrades. These works covered both the lower and upper concourses and included new wayfinding signage, wall artwork, (heat set vinyls of players and Club phrases), kiosk upgrades as well as general decoration throughout.
With just six weeks to complete, we engaged a specialist signage company to deliver on wayfinding and storytelling, alongside a local supplier to provide and install the stretch fabric and kiosk cladding. The main contractor focused on delivering the wider decoration works and kiosk upgrades across the concourses.
Despite the challenging programme, the works were successfully completed in time for the opening game of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, which was a fundamental requirement established during our early conversations with the Club and Delaware North.
Project Outcome
Through incredible team collaboration, the works were successfully delivered within a challenging timescale, completing ahead of Sunderland AFC’s return to the Premier League after an eight-year absence. With the Stadium of Light being the 10th largest football stadium in England, the scale and volume of works completed in this timeframe were significant, ensuring the venue was fully operational and ready for the 2025/2026 season.
From early feasibility to a collaborative procurement strategy, we supported the client in managing risk, maintaining programme certainty, and achieving value for money across a complex and multifaceted project.
Key Delivery Team
Banks on The Wear
Main Contractor – ITS Interiors
76 Yards
Main Contractor – GF Holding
Concourses
Main Contractor – GF Holdings
Specialist Signage – Sportsvision
Local Signage – WH Forster
