At a glance

Location

England, Europe

Type of project

Construction

Client

Wembley National Stadium Ltd

Contract type

Design & Build

Status

Completed

Building an icon

Multiplex began working on the new Wembley stadium in 2002.

The company’s proven credentials in delivering some of the world’s most complex and stunning developments had already been highlighted with the development of the host arena of Sydney 2000 Olympics, Stadium Australia.

The 90,000 seat national stadium is the home of English football and is one of the most visually spectacular football stadiums in the world.

Built to the highest specifications and using the latest technology, Multiplex has answered the brief to offer fans an unrivalled match day experience.

Given the rich history of the former Wembley Stadium, special attention was paid to recreating the atmosphere that is remembered long after the whistle. Computer technology was even used to simulate the acoustics of the new stadium and test how it would sound with a full crowd cheering.

The unique design presented a number of challenges and complex computer models were used to predict how the structure would behave once constructed.

The stadium’s most notable feature is a 315-metre long arch, the longest single span roof structure in the world. It is 133 metres above the pitch at its highest point.

The arch is an integral part of the stadium’s design and supports 60 per cent of the roof’s weight. The roof opens up to give the pitch full natural light but can also be partially closed during bad weather or to avoid heavy shadows across the pitch. Without internal support columns, every spectator enjoys a perfect view of the action.

Multiplex’s high profile design of the new state-of-the-art sports ground is visible from Canary Wharf, over 21 kilometres away. The stadium hosted the gold medal events in both the Men’s and Women’s football competition at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

  • 2008 – Best Fire Engineering Solution - Built-In Quality Award

Project in numbers

90,000

seat stadium

315

metre long arch

133

metre high arch - at its highest point above the pitch

60%

of the roof's weight supported by the arch