Fanzone: Interview with architect, Tom Partridge!
As planning continues to progress ahead of a potential Fanzone development at the Deva Stadium, we caught up with architect Tom Partridge for an update…
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your architecture practice?
A: My name is Tom Partridge and I’m co-director of an independent architecture studio called Common Practice, based in Manchester.
We work on a wide range of projects, although we are particularly passionate about working with community groups and on community projects, such as the Fan Zone. In addition to this, we also do a wide range of domestic residential work, and housing throughout the Northwest and North Wales.
Originally from Chester, I went to Kingsway High School before studying Architecture at the University of Liverpool. I am keenly involved in supporting architects and students, both as a council-member with the Manchester Society of Architects and also as a guest tutor with both the Liverpool and Manchester schools of Architecture.
Q: Have you worked on any projects we would know?
A: In my career, I have been fortunate enough to have worked on a wide variety of projects including community projects, commercial, leisure, and luxury residential, apartments and student schemes. However, it is unlikely that you will know of any of them.
The most high-profile project I have worked on was the refurbishment of the Grade II* listed Swindon Hydro for Swindon Borough Council.
Q: Have you previously worked on any football projects?
A: In 2014, I was selected as part of the team delivering the World Cup in Brazil. Whilst I would love to say I was responsible for the design of a stadium, I was actually responsible for the translation of the architectural drawings into ticketing and access systems. This meant, being flown out to Brazil to spend time at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba, managing the coordination of the seating and the ticketing system, and of course, attend match days. Needless to say, this was a great experience which gave me a good understanding of how football stadiums are managed at large events.
Q: What has been your role in developing the Fanzone?
A: It has been a privilege to be involved with Chester Football Club in developing proposals for the fan zone. As a practice, we have enjoyed working with the Club helping to interpret their aspirations, as well as bringing some of our own ideas to the table.
Our aim from the outset has been to translate those aspirations into a design for a new, flexible, exciting Fan Zone which will enhance the match day experience for supporters, as well as creating opportunities for other community events and, of course, alternative revenue streams for the Club.
Q: What is the process for progressing the Fanzone?
A: Currently, the project is at the feasibility and fact-finding stage. Public consultation and fund-raising will play a large part of the development proposals as we move forward. However, paramount is public safety at the ground. Therefore, ensuring the stadium remains compliant with relevant legislation and working with the authorities to ensure compliance is the next step.
Q: What is the latest update with the Fanzone?
A: Common Practice and the Club have met with the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) to obtain some initial feedback on our concept proposals. This has been really helpful and enabled us to focus on the phasing of the proposals and which aspects of the designs should be delivered first. We are currently working to ensure that the fan zone would meet all required safety requirements.
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We are pleased to share the latest phased concept designs – see below!
