Club statement: The Colony.

https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/2020/june/training-ground-statement/

The club is delighted to confirm that work will begin next week at The Colony to convert it into the training facility for the Bristol Rovers First team for the start of the 2020/21 season.

Contractors have been appointed to start phase one of the project, with an initial installation of first-team pitches and training area, gym, medical area, changing facilities, staff offices and communal areas being concluded this year.

MJ Abbott, who have worked with our ground staff to create the award-winning pitch at the Mem will also work on the two pitches at the Colony to ensure that they are of comparable industry-leading quality.

Club President Wael Al-Qadi said: "I know that the training facilities of the club have been an area of great frustrations for many fans since the land was purchased. However, we are delighted to have now agreed plans to get this project underway and to provide Ben and our players the facilities they require to thrive. This significant investment into our infrastructure, in these difficult economic times, will undoubtedly form a core part of progression on and off the pitch moving forward. As stated in my previous letter, we want to bring through young, exciting talent and we hope that this new development will help ensure that we can do that."

First Team Manager Ben Garner said: "This is a huge step forwards and something we have been working hard towards achieving since I joined the club. Having the right infrastructure and environment is a key part of our vision for the future. I am very grateful to our Club President Wael Al-Qadi for this substantial investment from both a financial and a personal perspective. Given the current economic climate this really highlights his commitment and dedication to building a successful football club. A great deal of effort and hard work has also been put in by Martyn Starnes and Shaun Roberts in being able to start phase one of the development. We very much look forward to starting work at our new training ground."

Longer-term, planning will be sought to further expand the project to house the club's academy and wider community initiatives.

So then guys, will this actually happen or is this just something the club is saying, to pass the time, to make themselves look like they are doing something or to make fans excited and therefore more potential season ticket sales???

 

CJS you really make me sound optimistic when I read your closing sentence. I know we have been disappointed before about the training ground but I think getting the manager to add his comment to the proceedings would be very insulting to Ben Garner so I am inclined to believe the above

 

Time will tell

 

Martin Starnes in an interview with Bristol live hinted at possible news re a new stadium. The original comments came in an interview with Radio Bristol on Wednesday whether that's today or last week I don't know

 

I kept hearing whispers a couple of months back now about a place called Lythe Green { Wherever that is ? } and some 'Eco Tech' company stumping up the cash, not too much news lately though so perhaps Martyn will enlighten us.

 

There's a Lyde Green out near Pucklechurch whether that's the place near Emersons green Park and Ride
Only lythe green i can find is in York

 

Must have been Lyde Green then OT, I don't really know that side of Bristol at all well I'm afraid.

 

Likewise Delsy long way to go for a home match from Nailsea especially an evening KO

 

Its a new housing estate by Emersons Green off the ring road.

I remember the club saying no rush for a training ground as they wanted confirmation on the stadium so the training ground wont be too far away from the stadium. So now all of a sudden the training ground gets the go ahead to start? I know the contract for the current training place is up but could have extended or found elsewhere. I am guessing that there could be more to the stadium rumour than just lip service.

 

Progress....

please log in to view this image

please log in to view this image

please log in to view this image

please log in to view this image

 

What I find very interesting is the fact that Ben Garner has been here a few months and we suddenly get a new training ground with strong rumours of a new stadium, did DC go on about it and upset those in charge or has the record of Ben Garner in bringing on talent at other clubs make them realise that this is the way forward for a club no table to spend a fortune on players wages and transfer fee's

 

The Fruit Market looks fave at the mo !

 

Chatting to a fellow supporter who has friends who work in the fruit market and the company he works for has just invested £500,000 in new business ideas on the present site because they have been told they are not moving / selling the site

 

Oh well, that's another of my idea's which have gone 'Pear Shaped'

 

What I've heard is that the businesses at the fruit market have really struggled financially during this lockdown. A lot can't afford to continue. Probably the best time to get a deal done for the land is now. If not now, then im afraid it's a case of looking elsewhere.

 

Can we move the fruit market to Eastville please

 

A good watch

 

More progress....

please log in to view this image

please log in to view this image

please log in to view this image

please log in to view this image