Stan Cullis stand roof comes down at Molineux

The roof of the Stan Cullis Stand at Molineux was today collapsed as the stadium's multi-million development forges ahead.

Most of the structure was ripped off by a huge mechanical claw arm.

It made light work of the stand after diggers had pulled out the concrete seating area.

The single tier stand is being torn down to make way for a two-tier, 7,700-seater replacement worth £16million.

Contractor Buckingham Group is aiming to complete the construction of the lower terraces of the new Stan Cullis Stand early in the new season, which would see some uncovered seats released back to the club so that as many fans as possible can get into matches.The pitch is now being re-seeded.

The development will boost capacity from 29,408 to 31,700 and marks the beginning of a four-year, £40m project, which may eventually see capacity increase to 50,000.

The first tier of the new stand will be ready to seat an estimated 3,000 fans by mid-September, with the replacement ready in time for the 2012/13 season.

The initial step will cost £16m and will also include a new museum, shop, kiosks, bars, and dining rooms.

Phase two of the development would see the Steve Bull Stand demolished and rebuilt. Phase three would involve ripping off the roof of the Jack Harris Stand and installing a second tier.