I was told last week SL has bought the site in front of the gate. The site I think called Braby that went bust. This would give him the extra space to create a new ground on the existing site,if needs be. Anybody else here of this purchase?
No I have not heard anything but living in a village in central Portugal where the locals only speak local dialect Portuguese, it’s understandable. But if this has some truth, then it really could open the way to redevelop the Gate. Am I right in believing that City or SL now also own the former Hirerite site? This was in olden days, owned by City but sold by Harry Dolman (?) many moons ago. Getting the Braby site, could allow the redevelopment of the current stadium. I have always believed that using the current site only, it is possible if the pitch was turned 90°, with the Dolman stand behind one goal and modified to allow access and exits at much higher level than present, that would allow much greater capacity stands (2 x 10,000/12,000) to be built to replace the Atyeo and Wedlock stands (because they would be further from housing) and one similar in size/capacity (4,000) to the current Atyeo stand behind the current Williams stand as the behind goal goal stand for the “South End”. Capacity approx 27 - 31,000 However if Braby’s site (and possibly the DIY warehouse site alongside) was thrown into the melting pot, then by moving the pitch south westwards towards Winterstoke Rd and Marsh Rd, the whole stadium planned for Ashton Vale could be built giving us around 32,000 . Yes I know that at present, we do not need this extra capacity, but what in effect would be a new stadium may well be the factor in generating new supporters and a much needed boost to our commercial/non football income. Also, it is already industrial land / football stadium with minimal housing on Ashton Rd and Raynes Rd so no NIMBY’s could claim they had played sport or even walked doggy on it! Another point to remember; the car park at Winterstoke Rd end is land owned by Bristol City Council and leased by the club. Could be very interesting.
Very interesting indeed but just wait for the wailing, gnashing of teeth, and NIMBY objections to start if it's true. They'll say it's historic tarmac that holds it all together or something or that the DIY warehouse is a listed building !! With Sainsburys presumably cut out of the deal if this did go ahead, where is the rest of the money coming from though ?
'With Sainsburys presumably cut out of the deal if this did go ahead, where is the rest of the money coming from though ?' Perhaps they would build a new out-of-town superstore @ Ashton Vale!!
Now that does sound exciting. Could build a stadium directly next to the current ground in same way that Leicester did. Realistic alternative and would have more chance of success. Funding would be an issue as no supermarket unless SL is going to fund the whole lot. It does show the ambition of the man and his determination to create a stadium for the club and a future for this city. Ashton Vale will always be the dream, but this might be the reality.
Finally something that tweaks my interest in our potential new or improved home. Forget the nimbys and the city council idiots who have nothing better to do than thwart attempts by a long time city institution (namely us) to add value to the city of Bristol. Get lost all of you dissenters, you clearly have no interest in progress. Hang on just a minute because I just got a Skype from a couple of rabbits who are going to do their best to stop any redevelopment. I don't think they are warren(ted) to file any complaints.
A freind of a local spider says he has relatives in the old building and would use all legal options open to them to prevent them being made homeless!
