AFC Wimbledon
The Venue
AFC Wimbledon moved to their new home, back in Plough Lane, in 2020. This was a culmination of nearly 20 years of an amazing journey by the fans to keep their Club alive, after it was moved to Milton Keynes and renamed in 2002. So AFC Wimbledon was relaunched and started five divisions below the professional football league and began its now successful climb back into the EFL and back to a stadium located in the heart of its community.
The new Cherry Red Records Stadium holds 9,400 fans and provides extensive spaces for match day hospitality and non-match day conferences and events. It is also home to the AFC Wimbledon Foundation and its inclusive community work.
Our Work
Rockvolt first started working with AFC Wimbledon during the Autumn of 2020 assisting with the hand-over of the Stadium from the building contractors. A comprehensive programme of soft landings working with the developers and the Club enabled a successful transition and mobilisation of all plant, assets, compliance, processes, maintenance, and daily operations.
Rockvolt undertook reviews and assessments and ran competitive tender processes to ensure the Stadium complied with all health & safety legislation and associated Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) requirements. Operations founded on SFG20 principles were introduced, specialist contractors inducted and an annualised programme of tasks and checks implemented.
Rockvolt have continued their relationship with the Club over the following seasons to ensure the operations and facilities management continue to be undertaken with tangible best practice and full compliance.
The Benefits
The Stadium opening occurred at a challenging time, completion was in November 2020, with full hand over of the systems in January 2021, in the midst of the COVID pandemic. The ground was initially opened behind closed doors to play matches, with fans allowed in for the first time in August 2021. This meant another complex layer of compliance and regulation was added to the opening process.
Rockvolt provided experience and understanding based on insights gained through numerous stadium operations to ensure the fundamental safety aspects were undertaken, whilst also developing best practice with regard to the daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly work schedules. The facilities and operational teams were established and the programme of tasks developed.
Rockvolt’s ongoing relationship ensures a continuity of process as the Club grows its offering to the fans and the community. Rockvolt continues to advise and help shape the service delivery in a safe and guest centric manner.
