Hillsborough's North Stand May Close Over Safety Concerns Ahead of New Season

Sheffield Wednesday could be forced to close the North Stand at Hillsborough for the start of the upcoming football season after Sheffield City Council raised serious safety concerns. The council warned it may not be able to renew the stand’s general safety certificate unless urgent structural repairs are completed. This follows the discovery of "extensive corrosion" in the roof, specifically within the main steel trusses.

Minutes from a recent meeting of the council’s safety advisory group indicated that there is currently "no professional reassurance as to the safety of the North Stand structure." The group noted that until the required work is done, the council is not in a position to approve continued use of the stand for spectators.

A club spokesperson assured officials that repair work would begin immediately. Discussions are already underway with contractors, and it is understood that the necessary work might extend into the season, taking place in between fixtures to limit disruption. Some steel beams may need to be replaced entirely.

In response to the issue, Sheffield Wednesday requested an away fixture for the opening weekend of the season. That request was granted, and the club will now begin their campaign at Leicester on 10 August. Their first home fixture is scheduled for 16 August.

The North Stand is a significant section of Hillsborough Stadium, which has an overall capacity of 34,835. It also includes key accessibility features, including 54 wheelchair bays and seating for up to 360 disabled fans. As a result, any closure could have a substantial impact on supporters.

Under UK regulations, any stadium with a capacity over 10,000 requires an up-to-date safety certificate to operate legally. The situation remains under review, with the safety advisory group set to reconvene on Friday to assess the club’s progress on repairs. Councillor Joe Otten, chair of the environmental services and regulation policy committee, reiterated the council's commitment to ensuring fan safety, stating the importance of compliance with safety certification requirements.