Hibernian's Easter Road to become UEFA compliant stadium

Scottish Premier League side Hibernian have started work on the East Stand of their Easter Road Stadium which will see the ground become a UEFA compliant football stadium.

The initial work will involves clearing the waste ground to the rear of the existing East Terrace in preparation for its full demolition next month. The Club's match versus St Johnstone on Saturday 27 February will be the last match with the old East Terrace in operation.

Once completed, the new East Stand will house 6,400 supporters, increasing the capacity of Easter Road Stadium to 20,250 seats.

Construction of the new stand will not be completed until after the start of next season with the contractor endeavoring to make part of the seating deck available for matches before then.

Rod Petrie, Chairman Hibernian FC said: "Today marks an exciting milestone in the Club's history - the start of construction of a new East Stand, and the completion of Easter Road Stadium. Once the new stand is finished, Hibernian will have one of the finest football stadiums in Scotland and the largest, fully covered UEFA compliant football stadium outside Glasgow.

"The fact that the Club is able to build a new stand during what is a very challenging time for football and the economy as a whole, is testament to the rock solid financial footing of the Club created by returning a bottom line profit for five consecutive years.

"Saturday's match against St Johnstone will be an emotional day for many supporters and all of us at the Club, as we say goodbye to the old East Terrace. Despite its shortcomings, thousands of supporters have a deep affection for the East Terrace. I am sure that the new East Stand will soon find a place in their hearts as its essential characteristics were debated and agreed with supporters at fans forums.''

Posted on 25th February 2010