Emerald Headingley Stadium

Headingley has been at the heart of English cricket since the nineteenth century and remains one of the most recognisable venues in world cricket. As part of a major redevelopment programme, the stadium required a new main stand that would enhance spectator experience while securing its future as an international venue.  

We were appointed to design, manufacture and install the tensile fabric roof and bespoke guttering system for the new Emerald Stand, the centrepiece of the wider redevelopment. The structure needed to complement the architectural ambitions of the project while delivering long-term performance in an exposed stadium environment.  

Working at height within a live sporting venue added further complexity. Installation had to be carefully coordinated alongside the wider construction programme, ensuring progress could be maintained without compromising safety or quality.

We designed and delivered a cantilever tensile roof spanning ten structural bays across the new stand. Each bay is clad using Ferrari’s TX30-II membrane, a high-performance fabric selected for its durability, weather resistance and expected design life of approximately 30 years.  

Alongside the membrane installation, we developed a bespoke guttering system integrated into the roof design, ensuring effective drainage while maintaining the clean architectural lines of the structure. The lightweight nature of the tensile solution reduced loads on the supporting steelwork while providing extensive coverage for spectators below.

Installation was undertaken entirely by our specialist rope access technicians. Working at height on stadium projects can present significant challenges, particularly when weather conditions are unpredictable. Fortunately, the installation programme benefited from the exceptionally settled summer of 2018, allowing works to progress efficiently despite temperatures reaching almost 50°C across the reflective roof surface.

The completed canopy forms a defining element of the new Emerald Stand, helping to create a modern, high-quality spectator environment within one of cricket’s most historic venues. The roof provides extensive weather protection while maintaining the open views and atmosphere that make Headingley unique.

As part of the wider £40m+ redevelopment, the new stand has helped transform the ground into a venue capable of hosting international cricket, major rugby fixtures and premium hospitality events for years to come.  

The project demonstrates how tensile architecture can play a vital role in contemporary stadium design—delivering lightweight, efficient and visually striking structures that enhance both performance and visitor experience. For Base Structures, it is another example of working within a live, high-profile environment where quality, coordination and delivery are critical to success.