Bristol Mayor George Ferguson has accused Sainsbury's of never having any intention of building a new store at Bristol Rovers' ground in Horfield - or for that matter at City's home at Ashton Gate. Mr Ferguson told the Post: "The decision is in the lap of the judge who needs time to consider it because it is a complicated case. It might appear to be black and white in the contract but Sainsbury's have been devious in the way in which they have dealt with it. It's quite clear to me that Sainsbury's never wanted to build at Ashton Gate or the Memorial Stadium - their main agenda was to stop any competition. I think Sainsbury's have been disingenuous and dishonourable; they have done everything they can to renege on a clear contract. There were months and months of delays and they did nothing to get the planning permission they say they needed to build the new store." http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristo...building-new/story-26591227-detail/story.html
So Ferguson thinks Sainsburys wanted Ashton Gate stadium to stop another supermarket having it and therefore competition to their other store across the road. At the Mem, there were lots of bids for the stadium and Sainsburys won it by bidding over the odds for it and therefore stop any other supermarket from having it. Does he have a point or is this just a conspiracy theory?
Well he clearly has a point and there is a certain amount of logic in his argument. It will be interesting to see if Sainsburys feel it necessary to press for an apology. Not that that would necessarily mean that they are innocent of the charge. At least Fergusson's comments are made in time and by a person of importance, for the matter to be introduced into the evidence for the High Court judge to consider in her deliberations.
Sapphire can they introduce new ? evidence at this stage, I thought the case was now closed and we were awaiting the judges verdict
No. I didn't mean that new evidence can be formally put forward. but that the Judge cannot fail to read Fergusson's comments and as such it would be difficult for her not to permit them to influence her decision. Especially if the points were not raised during the case.
When big old sainsburys built there main supermarket in green park Bath rumours were bouncing round that they would keep up the appearance of the the old station as a gesture to council or as others put it a thank you. I'm sure it was over ten years before another supermarket was allowed to build anywhere near bath. I wonder if this would have happened if the council were picking up the bill for the upkeep of green park. Now it would be rude to listen to rumours,wouldn't it?
I would like to think that one day all supermarkets will be gone and we can go back to shopping at local stores like the good old days.
GF knows his stuff... I'm sure he's right and hopefully the judge will reflect this in her ruling. Bring it on!!
He's quite right. Sainsbury's are a bunch of charlatans - unfortunately Higgs fell for their subterfuge without fully understanding why they were prepared to pay over the odds.
But if the judge agrees with NH then Sainsbury's will pay over the odds. Maybe the judge will find in our favour for most of the cash and then Rovers can sell again at a lower amount but higher than the amount that Sainsbury's would have paid when they are added together
I really have no idea how this will pan out, old timer. Obviously I'd love it if Judge Proudman would find fully in our favour and Sainsbury's have to stump up the £30m pronto, but cases like this are never cut and dried. Our best bet in my opinion is if we're awarded half the money and we redevelop the Mem with it. I would be very surprised indeed if there were ever a UWE Stadium.
If we don't walk away from this case with the £30m winging its way to us, I can't see there ever being a UWE Stadium.
I wouldn't be surprised if their 'need to make use of the ground soon' isn't just a bit of political pressure on the decision making process. UWE has big ambitions and the stadium would be a massive flagship for them. Make no bones about it. They want it big time!! It would put their sporting scenario in the same league as the major American and UK universities.
If you think that is the case then do you think we shot ourselves in the foot then because Sainsburys may use the threat of UWE? I mean Sainsburys may drag their heels further in hope that UWE pulls the plug themselves?
