I am suprised no-one has started a topic regarding this yet! Since the PST took over, we have been promised that there will be investment in the infrastructure of how our club operates. For years we have seen money being squandered on overpaid players and not in our home, training ground, let alone a youth setup..... But at last, the first bits a pieces have been coming out regarding the furture of Fratton. Firstly, Stuart Robinson, who purchased the land surrounding FP from Gaydemek has come to a deal with Tesco to let them build on the land behind the Fratton end. In turn, Pompey get a new and improved road structure around FP, the land behing the North Stand and also a healthy (undisclosed) amount of money to help the coffers which will be ring-fenced to be used for FP improvements in the future. When Milan was chairman, we all remember the pictures of him sat on his little digger behind the North stand digging down to start the 90 degree rotation of Fratton Park.....but that's where it stopped. We all love FP, but it does need improving, so what is being planned? Well, the architects involved with the plans for Tesco have said that rotating the ground 90 degrees is not in the best interest of Pompey and in fact a ground redevelopment would be a better scenario for us. A 5 stage improvement plan would mean no need to ground share, or have fans sitting a mile from touchlines etc and the plans do actually make sense. 1) Tesco build on the fratton end car park, a 2 storey shop, with parking underneath, similar to Havant/Slough Tescos. In turn this would mean the shutting down of Crasswell street and Goldsmith Avenue Tesco to be amalgamated in 1 super store. Within this development, Tesco will give PFC a new, largish, car park for staff and media behind the North terrace. 2) Once Pompey have the money to start redevlopment it would start with knocking down the North Stand ot replace it with a large, 2 tier stand with corperate suites. This new stand would then back onto the new car park and would contain all staff areas, offices and changing rooms. 3) Fratton end to remain a Kop end but a corner section enclosing it to the North Stand would then help accoustics plaus add an extra 2000 seats. 4) Redevelopment of Milton end, same dimensions but a complete rebuild - this would include a new concourse underneath and this would be the away area as it is now - just a bit more modern - you know, with flushing toilets. 5) The South stand would be gutted - but the original framework and look and feel would remain. A new concourse underneath, and strengthing of the roof and removal of TV areas would increase capacity by a couple of hundred. These improvments would be the best for everyone, keeping everyone happy. We have the old parts of the ground, the kop, corperate facilities and a comfortable away end. These are not pipeline dreams - these are the real plans to be set forward by PFC should the Tesco store get planning permission. I for one believe this to be a win-win situation for all involved and could turn that area of Fratton into a very prosperous central hub centralised around our great Football Club which was always in the intention of the Pompey centre! If anyone is interested, in the Victory Lounge in the Fratton end, Friday and Saturday all plans for Tesco's will be on show. I will pop down and have a look as I really do think this could be the start of a fantastic opportunity for Pompey. PUP!
Sounds excellent to me. Although we could save a few quid by not bothering with the flushing toilets at the away end
It does seem that the PST are between the devil and the deep blue sea here. While everyone understands the need to partner up with someone in order to develop that land not everyone is keen on who that partner will be. There will also be questions raised on extending the capacity of the stadium, another 2000 seats won't be satisfactory for the longer term. Once Tesco are on the land there will be no expansion capability. It's very interesting that it's the Tesco architects "who have said that rotating the ground 90 degrees is not in the best interest of Pompey and in fact a ground redevelopment would be a better scenario for us." Well of course it's in their own interests to tout that opinion. It's been long known that Tesco want to get their hands on that land and build a big store. I also know that there are major concerns from some about the effects this will have on the local independent traders - just don't expect this to go through on the nod from all Trust members.
Stuart Robinson owns the land - he can do what he wants with it. It was always common knowledge that, as a property developer, he would be looking to get someone to develop on it for a long time. Its's just a 2000 seat capacity rise in adding the corner section between the Fratton end and the new, much larger, north stand. There will be increases in capacity with this new build also. Initial figures look like it will be 30,000 capacity which is large enough for the time being. There will be the room to extend the new north stand and fratton end to a capacity of 38,000 should the need arise. It is an independant architect who has drawn the plans up - he is also a pompey fan working with both tesco and the PST. He is correct though - a 90 degree turn would mean a massive capital outlay all at once to rebuild the entire ground, you will also have the issue of stands being 100 yards aways from touch lines very akin to molenuex in the 80's. This was, each stand can be built as and when and there is no further impact upon the club. The local traders will be fine if they can provide a good product and customer experience. This is not a new Tesco, its a replacement for the central, dilapidated shop they currently have. The bridge centre is a great example, there is a butcher in there who has been around for years, ASDA have moved in 10 feet away and he is still open. Why? Because he offers a better product and better service than a supermarket can do. Local traders have to stop blaming tesco, internet shopping etc for their woes - they have to move with the time. If they can offer osmehting a supermarket cannot then they will be able to continue to trade. But thats down to them. In my eyes - this is a good deal for all involved, especially PFC.
To a large extent it's true that Robinson can do as he wants with the land, however it will still have to go to PCC for planning permission, and I know that there are a number of PFC shareholders who are opposed, not to the whole plan, but to Tesco specifically, so expect some opposition. Of the people who have made their views known there is a general consensus that tarting up the old lady is a preferred option rather than losing it's character or eventually having to move to a new location, which could end up being outside Portsea Island.
Agreed, PCC still have to sign the paperwork. But if Tesco can satisfy the council that there is an improved impact upon PFC and Fratton Park, then PCC will give the go ahead. I sometimes wonder why people are so against Tesco moving in? If they can stump up the cash, and help to pay for improvements to the area (like they have done with the traffic easing in Havant after the new development happened there) then its a win win.
I think for a lot of people it's the (unstated) of this, and another retailer's philosophy of 'kill the competition' that puts people off.
"It's not personal - it's business" Local traders who throw their dollies out the pram need to look at the positives. To be fair, there are not many local traders around the area - the people kicking up most fuss is Milton shops down to Eastney. There is a big Co-op and a big tesco express further down - neither of which have caused the independant traders to go out of business. What do they think is going to happen if/when a new Tesco superstore comes to town?
This is the bit that more needs to be made of................ just got this from Neil Allens webchat.
Have you seen the architect mock up of the area? There would be more than enough room still behind the Fratton End to develop further - or turn 90 degrees. This surely has to be the best possible outcome for PFC? Receiving money, in escrow, for development for essentially nothing!
Bringing you in line with the rest of League 2 Leaving the Tesco ethics debate for another day. I think I would be tentatively optimistic in your position. Holding onto a patch of mud for no apparent reason is probably not going to benefit the club.
can I ask what's being done to bring in new young supporters? Given your position, it's quite likely many will be tempted by other local teams in higher leagues (naming no names.) Note: I'm not mocking you here. It's a genuine question.
Ticket prices for young supporters are proper cheap this season. £90 is the max it can go to (I.E not a share holder, didn't renew early bird etc etc). Other incentives such as having the cheapest shirts in the entire football league (I think. If not it's still pretty low), will help. Kid for a quid cup matches. It has also been suggested by fans to have a first time/birthday pack. 1 adult + kid goes free. Kid gets a scarf and a programme, and is then on the database.
Don;t forget - that under 8's, sat in the family section (Whole of South Stand I believe) with a full adult season ticket holder will get a free full kit for their £90! I don't think any other club are offering that!
