http://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/article/20131113-councilplans-1199809.aspx Will post updates from BCFC's twitter account and from the website as of when I read them. Stay tuned from 4....
MG: "We're managing this project for Ashton Gate. It's a unique situation. This will be privately funded MG: "We welcome the recommendation but we have to look at the finances. Financial control is one of our five pillars." MG: "We want to get on site at the earliest opportunity if the board of BCFC goes ahead with redevelopment." MG: "The sports bar included makes the redevelopment economically viable. It would contribute to South Bristol economy." MG: "We support the Temple Meads to Ashton Gate rail link alongside Ashton Gate. It is deliverable." MG: "Bristol City is a family driven organisation. This once in a lifetime opportunity will...benefit many in the long term."
John Lansdown JL: "I'm a proud Bristolian. Bristol is lacking in sporting facilities. This is an opportunity to put it right." JL: "I've grown up loving Ashton Gate but it is in need of improvement in modern day football." JL: "It will help us increase revenues and improve our community work."
Amy Kington, community director, now explaining the work of the Bristol City Community Trust to the Planning Committee. AK: "We work with more than 50,000 people, young and old, every season." AK: "We operate from one classroom. Redevelopment would help us supercharge our work and help improve people's lives."
John Cottrell, speaking in support, says consultation for the redevelopment scheme was "extensive". David Baber, transport planning services in Bristol, says he has worked closely with the club on a travel plan if stadium is redeveloped
DB says travel plan for Bristol Rugby will be the same as Bristol City's, along with other major events at Ashton Gate, if redeveloped.
Bristol Rugby CEO Steve Gorvett, whose club will play at Ashton Gate from next season, now speaking. SG: "The move to Ashton Gate will provide our club with a new heart and home." SG: "We want to provide rugby at the highest quality for the people of Bristol in the best facilities." SG: "Our award-winning community foundation will also relocate to Ashton Gate."
Tony Swindell, project director for KKA, says redevelopment seeks to deliver "highly-flexible, commercially-sustainable facility".
Tess Green, councillor, is supporting the application. She says consultation was "good" and "wide-ranging".
Thanks for these updates shiny but my comments to Jon Lansdown would be - how come you are prepared to spend 40 million on revamping the stadium and yet the 50 million+ that has been invested in revamping the team has been a total failure? Don't you think it would be better if they found out how to solve the on-field issues before they build a new field. His comment about being a proud Bristolian and that he is concerned over the lack of good sporting facilities gets up my nose and I've come to the conclusion that I'm sick and tired of all this babble coming from anyone involved with Bristol City including the 5 pillars rubbish. Just in case they haven't noticed we are a club in serious trouble and I would much prefer that the top brass sort out those issues first and foremost, although I do agree that future planning is essential but for goodness sake sort out the current mess. Sorry shiny I didn't mean to rain on your parade, keep up the good work!
TG: "We would like to keep Bristol City at Ashton Gate, in the heart of the community, as well as improving fans' experience." TG says some local residents are worried about extra use of stadium with Bristol Rugby moving to the stadium
Councillor Charlie Bolton - who was against Sainsbury's at Ashton Gate - echoes the support of Tess Green.
More talk of the need for a "proper travel plan", this time from Dave Redgewell, transport campaigner. Seems like traffic and the volume of fans around AG could be a problem but we could put that to bed by saying new stadium or not. Bristol rugby will be moving here next season so the problem wont go away if the stadium is rejected
Councillor Bray, who is a Bristol Rugby season ticket holder, says attitudes towards sport in Bristol can be changed with this project
JD says club still has permission for new stadium at Ashton Vale - subject to legal matters - plus Sainsbury's application at Ashton Gate.
Planning case officer details extensive consultation that took place, with only four objections in total.
John Douglas says NHS Bristol has concerns about the Sports Bar within the plans JD says club has agreed to restricted hours on non-matchdays for the Sports Bar
