Close collaboration: The linchpin of stadium construction

Clare Gallagher, Project Director at Sir Robert McAlpine, sets out what it takes to deliver stadia on-time and within budget

From tight deadlines to complex supply chains and evolving community expectations, building a stadium is no small feat.

In this article for Football & Stadium Management, Clare Gallagher, Project Director at Sir Robert McAlpine, draws on her experience building stadia, including the Olympic Stadium and the Emirates Stadium, to explore how close collaboration is essential to creating venues that stand the test of time.

Key highlights include:

  • Client engagement from the outset is essential to align expectations and manage inevitable changes
  • Shared spaces and proximity between client and project teams enable faster decision-making and smoother communication
  • Adaptability is crucial—as seen in the Emirates Stadium project, where sponsor-driven design changes were successfully integrated mid-build
  • Stadia are evolving into multi-use venues and community hubs, requiring broader operational considerations
  • Supply chain complexity demands that suppliers be as engaged and informed as the core project team
  • Unified project teams help mitigate recurring construction challenges and ensure satisfaction across stakeholders

 

Read the full article on Football & Stadium Management's website.

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