Report from Brian Scovell, Chairman of the FWA Facilities Committee

After our original meeting on April 1 with Jeremy Fisher, the architect who designed the Manchester City stadium, Gerry Cox and I had a "tweaking" meeting to improve various aspects of the media plans for Tottenham's 58,000 capacity stadium. Jeremy had come up with an idea for an "expandable" press box after learning that UEFA has increased minimum capacities at press boxes at major clubs to 75 written and 100 others. He was planning on 50+ and 50+ but with Champions' games in prospect he is giving himself the option to lengthen the press tribune at both ends. Noticing that he had pencilled in a sizeable number of gangways we suggested these spaces should be utilised for extra seats, raising the total of written seats to up to around 70. He agreed. There should be plenty of room at the back of the seats, enabling journalists to get in and out. He accepted our suggested measurements of seats and tops, with adequate foot room.

Originally we were hoping that the press box was going to be on the halfway like the one in Qatar but there was no chance of that. However, the tribune starts 15m from the halfway line and is 4m high from ground level. We were assured that we would not be soaked. Jeremy said Daniel Levy will seat not far away and he wouldn't let that happen! The prevailing wind comes from the south west. The subject of TV screens, monitors etc has yet to be resolved. Anyone who has any good ideas about it, let me know!

There will be four disabled spaces and a nearby lift, mainly used by media people. The entrance for the Press is towards the left hand corner with a short walk into the other press sections. The press lounge will be ample in size to cater for more than 120 people with the high backed tables and chairs (similar to the ones first introduced at Highbury in 1980, suggested first by the FWA) with drinks and refreshments. We asked for hangers for coats - they forgot that - and they will be provided. Also ample number of lockers. Photographers have their own dedicated room.

The interview room will seat 75+ with a raised dias to cater for the increased number of TV people. The functional seats will have flip up tables. There is also a working room. "Room" is a misnomer because everyone agreed that open plan is preferable for the whole of the media space which will be much larger than almost any other club in the country. The press facilities will be in Phase 1.

They are making big efforts to ensure a workable mixed zone, allowing up to 25ms outside the dressing rooms, with separate exits from the rooms on either side. The radio and TV gantry is above the third floor with 40 sections of three seats - 120 in all.

Donna said the planning meeting with the Council will be 2-3 months off. The target is to start playing in the season of 2013/14.