No, no, Norway, wasn't suggesting we moved at all (we missed that boat when the club failed to secure the Reeds development behind the Junction) but I am saying that it would be, from a construction engineering viewpoint and given the inherent problems at The Vic, it would be quicker, easier and cheaper. I have to agree that some new grounds are soulless concrete and plastic bowls (Ricoh and Etihad spring to mind) but the Keepmoat and Emirates do have something about them, so save for the lack of 'history' there is "good" design out there. Funny thing, stadium architecture. If the transport links were improved and the parking nazis were not so, well, nazi, then The Vic would be a fantastic place to go (save for the Lower Rous which is the worst designed 'modern' (ie post Taylor Report) stand anywhere that I've seen.
The vic site is not ideal but equally it is not terrible in terms of access - walking distance from BR and Met line. Also the site is big enough for a stadium to house the amount of support we are ever going to get long term. If we could not develop the East stand while playing at the Vic I would prefer we share a ground elsewhere for a season and get the ground in shape to the alternative of moving out of town
Taken from a report of the AYP forum this week. SD: The plans for the main stand are advanced. The current planning permission runs out next March. The current spec for the stand is within that plan, so we do not have to apply again. If we are promoted, the stand will be built. If not, it wonât due to the budget.
Also taken from the same report. Q: What is happening with the South-West corner? A: SD: We are building it with a partner. The final approval from the partnerâs board is imminent. The development should be completed this season. We want to revamp the lounges for next season. There will probably be a sports bar. There may be a fine dining establishment too. Key to it all is the moving of the changing room.
If we could not develop the East stand while playing at the Vic I would prefer we share a ground elsewhere for a season and get the ground in shape to the alternative of moving out of town[/QUOTE] We could ask Saracens very nicely if we could share their new ground !
Saracens new ground has a capacity of 10,000, and would their plastic pitch meet Premier League/Football League regulations? Ground-sharing is not much of a viable option, where would the nearest ground that we could use be? Loftus Road? *shudders* We do need to build a new stand, but I think we will only have the finance for it if we are promoted. But as Hornet-Fez says, and you seem to have more knowledge of the building site around the East Stand then I do, it could take a long, long time. Would it be possible to move the changing rooms and the dugouts to the Rous stand for a season and a bit? It would be quite embarrassing for a season or so but the end result could help secure the clubs long-term future for a long time!
You wouldn't have want to sit on that one as although it was a sturdy structure the beard would have been too itchy...
Totally agree with that, i was in the lower rous on Saturday and the view is dreadful. The upper Rous is a great view and i can see the appeal of watching from the half way line each week, but i much prefer the view and atmosphere of the Rookery to be honest.