What makes a stadium a winner?

In a series of articles, Mark Andrews sets out how stadium construction projects can drive local social and economic growth

As well as increasingly becoming mixed-use venues, new stadiums are acting as catalysts to drive local social value creation and economic impact.

Mark Andrews, Managing Director, Commercial, Sir Robert McAlpine, discusses how a collaborative, integrated approach is key to achieving these goals during the construction of stadia.

Figures published by Arsenal FC found the club generated £616 million in economic value and supported more than 4,400 jobs following construction of the Emirates Stadium. 

In east London, the evolution of London Stadium from the focal point of the Olympics into a mixed-use venue has also delivered a signficiant return, with figures showing it generates around £230 million for London's economy.

In articles published for Property Week and Football Stadium Management, Mark gives his thoughts on:

  • How early engagement and collaboration drive social value in local communities

  • Why achieving strong community buy-in is ‘non-negotiable’ for stadium construction projects

  • The importance of a unified approach to overcome challenges throughout the project lifecycle

  • Why consistent client engagement can make the unpredictable more manageable, rather than being left to chance

Our expertise in stadia

  1. Panoramic view of Emirates Stadium, showcasing its vast seating capacity

    Team shines at Emirates Stadium

    Arsenal's state-of-the art new ground rewrote the rulebook on football stadia

    Sectors: Commercial
    Region: London
    Read more about
  2. The Olympic Stadium illuminated at dusk, highlighting its architectural beauty and the energy-efficient lighting

    Low-carbon stadium a showcase for engineering

    A case study in innovation, collaboration and adding social value, the Olympic Stadium captured the pride of a nation.

    Sectors: Commercial, Leisure
    Region: London
    Read more about
  3. Construction workers installing the 70m long steel trusses for the retractable roof at Wimbledon No.1 Court, a key feature of the renovation.

    Refurbishing Wimbledon’s No.1 Court, London

    We took the myriad complexities of refurbishing the world-famous tennis venue – Wimbledon’s No.1 Court - in our stride.

    Sectors: Commercial, Leisure
    Region: London
    Read more about

Latest news

  1. Building Hope: Maggie’s Spring Gala Dinner

    23 Apr 2026

    The built environment industry comes together to mark 30 years of Maggie’s and raise vital funds for people living with cancer

    Read more about
  2. Celebrating a decade of the Broadgate Framework

    16 Apr 2026

    2 Finsbury Avenue embodies the culmination of collaborative culture and pioneering construction

    Read more about
  3. Secretary of State visits Agratas battery manufacturing site

    13 Apr 2026

    Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP toured the steel framework and spoke with our apprentices working at Building One

    Read more about
View all news