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Post by CabbagePatchBlues on Jul 21, 2023 10:26:35 GMT
You'll probably find that a good many Bristolian family trees go back to some Somerset village or other. Ours only started after the war. My parents were placed in Lulsgate bottom, in the Nissan huts of the yanks, they stayed there until 55 and then bought the house, in Kingswood. Thus Kingswood Polak was born. It will end with me as i have no kids but it’s lovely reading others histories Yes indeed. And once you get into the history of the farm workers with roots going back centuries ripped up by the Industrial Revolution and plonked into sordid urban blight and disease, and the effects that WW1 had on their lives, it gets a grip of you. I'm second generation Bristolian on two of my lines and third and fourth on the other two. |
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Post by Colyton Gas. on Jul 21, 2023 13:08:50 GMT
 Hoping it will be like Fulham's new stand!!! |
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warehamgas
Predictions League
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,590 
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Post by warehamgas on Jul 21, 2023 15:50:34 GMT
You sure it’s not Honiton? 😉👍👍 UTG! |
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Post by swissgas on Jul 22, 2023 0:53:58 GMT
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Icegas
Joined: September 2014
Posts: 1,814
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Post by Icegas on Jul 22, 2023 5:11:50 GMT
From what I know - Blackpool, Bournemouth and Fulham all have one of these permanent Temporary stands that we are building at the Mem, and all were built quickly for when they got into the premiership.I think Worcester and Exeter Rugby clubs also have these. This is not a Micky mouse structure we are building here, it's costing money and is a longer term build unlike the south tent was meant to be ( which lasted over 20 years😂) Of course the goal has to be a state of the art new build at the fruit market, and I believe that will happen with Wael within 5-10 years. But I love the mem site and once the south stand is completed why can't we knock down the East stand and do the same there? Something like I said Blackpool have done with their away end which is like the one we are building which runs the whole side of the pitch.. I guess the only problem with doing this is that the centenary stand holds alot of corporate functions and pre matchday meals, bars and of course the club shop and club offices - so knocking down this side, then of course all these would need to be replaced within the new structure. Last year I was offered a job with a company that works at the mem through out the week and on match days.During this period I got talking to the owners of the company that holds the main cleaning contact at both the mem and Ashton gate.They are city fans,and they admitted that while Ashton gate is a far better stadium,when it comes to the corporate side with hospitality and functions etc...we are not that far behind what they offer and is of a high standard.This meaning rebuilding the east side with a temporary/permanent structure would involve a lot more money and work then replacing the old south tents. But with that being said, we could turn the mem into a very tidy stadium doing this for not much cost that could hold championship football while we wait for a new ground. I would say that the East Stand should be the last of any redevelopment, because of the capacity you lose during demolition and rebuild, and as you say the facilities it holds. The next phase of any redevelopment of The Mem (should we know we're there for some time, or need increased capacity while waiting for a new stadium being built), is the North End of the ground, and it wouldn't involve losing the existing North Terrace. It's fairly simple, and here's what you do: - Roof comes off the Thatchers End. - Retain the standing terracing beneath (could be changed to safe-standing if regulations require). - Knock down the Clubhouse Bars. - You are left with the footprint of the clubhouse bars, behind the terracing, to build a new seated stand which could mirror the type of construction at the South End. Positives: - You retain the terrace. - No reduced capacity during the build. - Any new seats installed are a complete net gain. - You should be able to increase the capacity by 3,000 (minimum 2,000). - You've increased the seating capacity, ideal for families. - Could increase the tickets available to away fans at the South End (and less segregation space lost). - Possibility of a row of hospitality boxes between terrace and stand. Negatives: - You lose the clubhouse bars... This could be compensated by using the concourse beneath the new stand as a bar area. Might be smaller, but would be one whole room and the Fan Zone is outside anyway. So this could automatically increase the ground capacity by 3,000. If WAQ, TG & DB get plans in before Christmas, we could build the thing next close season. The thatchers end of the ground I completely agree with. If you look at the east side and the north side of our stadium its almost underground by 2/3 meters,so as you said, if we knocked down the bars and toilets behind the thatchers end you could easily do what we are doing at the south end on the top of that, making a 6/7k structure there for little cost. It's how I saw the east side redevelopment, but yours does make much more sense. The west stand for me is almost a dead horse.Meaning if we are not planning on staying at the mem "long term", there is no point doing much to it apart from modest upgrades as it does hold all our boxs etc.. |
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Post by lostinspace on Jul 22, 2023 7:22:53 GMT
From what I know - Blackpool, Bournemouth and Fulham all have one of these permanent Temporary stands that we are building at the Mem, and all were built quickly for when they got into the premiership.I think Worcester and Exeter Rugby clubs also have these. This is not a Micky mouse structure we are building here, it's costing money and is a longer term build unlike the south tent was meant to be ( which lasted over 20 years😂) Of course the goal has to be a state of the art new build at the fruit market, and I believe that will happen with Wael within 5-10 years. But I love the mem site and once the south stand is completed why can't we knock down the East stand and do the same there? Something like I said Blackpool have done with their away end which is like the one we are building which runs the whole side of the pitch.. I guess the only problem with doing this is that the centenary stand holds alot of corporate functions and pre matchday meals, bars and of course the club shop and club offices - so knocking down this side, then of course all these would need to be replaced within the new structure. Last year I was offered a job with a company that works at the mem through out the week and on match days.During this period I got talking to the owners of the company that holds the main cleaning contact at both the mem and Ashton gate.They are city fans,and they admitted that while Ashton gate is a far better stadium,when it comes to the corporate side with hospitality and functions etc...we are not that far behind what they offer and is of a high standard.This meaning rebuilding the east side with a temporary/permanent structure would involve a lot more money and work then replacing the old south tents. But with that being said, we could turn the mem into a very tidy stadium doing this for not much cost that could hold championship football while we wait for a new ground. I would say that the East Stand should be the last of any redevelopment, because of the capacity you lose during demolition and rebuild, and as you say the facilities it holds. The next phase of any redevelopment of The Mem (should we know we're there for some time, or need increased capacity while waiting for a new stadium being built), is the North End of the ground, and it wouldn't involve losing the existing North Terrace. It's fairly simple, and here's what you do: - Roof comes off the Thatchers End. - Retain the standing terracing beneath (could be changed to safe-standing if regulations require). - Knock down the Clubhouse Bars. - You are left with the footprint of the clubhouse bars, behind the terracing, to build a new seated stand which could mirror the type of construction at the South End. Positives: - You retain the terrace. - No reduced capacity during the build. - Any new seats installed are a complete net gain. - You should be able to increase the capacity by 3,000 (minimum 2,000). - You've increased the seating capacity, ideal for families. - Could increase the tickets available to away fans at the South End (and less segregation space lost). - Possibility of a row of hospitality boxes between terrace and stand. Negatives: - You lose the clubhouse bars... This could be compensated by using the concourse beneath the new stand as a bar area. Might be smaller, but would be one whole room and the Fan Zone is outside anyway. So this could automatically increase the ground capacity by 3,000. If WAQ, TG & DB get plans in before Christmas, we could build the thing next close season. any idea of what the bars' turnover is on matchdays, does get very busy during matchday build up, not sure of how many go in after the match tho'... is it open during the week as a"normal" drinking venue? |
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kingswood Polak
Without music life would be a mistake
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10,361
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Post by kingswood Polak on Jul 22, 2023 9:03:56 GMT
By then Kingswood Polak will have chalked up 10,000 posts, an event even more worthy of celebration. You seem a little overly interested in how many posts i write 😂. You know, i would, in the past, have been defensive about this but it just makes me laugh now. Try having 3 chronic diseases, one life limiting, it makes for way too much free time and i can only cut the grass once, trim the hedge once, i will not be like my poor father, after he retired and be doing jobs that do not need doing. I have been travelling of late though and really enjoying this beautiful country of ours plus city breaks in Holland, Germany and a week in the fatherland, my beloved Polska |
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kingswood Polak
Without music life would be a mistake
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10,361
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Post by kingswood Polak on Jul 22, 2023 9:07:03 GMT
We must be approaching the time when practical considerations will have to be taken into account if Rovers are going to be able to fulfill our early season home fixture obligations. There may need to be a suitable wall or barrier erected at the South end of the ground to ensure EFL regulations on pitch perimeter protection are complied with. There will have to be nets or other barriers put in place to prevent wayward footballs encroaching on adjoining properties. And the area behind the goal will need to be cleared of hazards and made safe for the ball boys/ girls to work. If you read a couple of the complaints, they actually make valid pints ( leaving that typo as my mind is obviously thinking of having a few) points although i laughed so hard, at the person who said he no longer saw the tits and would like to i see more lovely tits. I still cannot decide if that is a great joke or if the person is an avid twitcher |
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Post by Colyton Gas. on Jul 22, 2023 9:23:31 GMT
 Pitch looking Good. |
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Post by The Concept on Jul 22, 2023 10:24:02 GMT
I would say that the East Stand should be the last of any redevelopment, because of the capacity you lose during demolition and rebuild, and as you say the facilities it holds. The next phase of any redevelopment of The Mem (should we know we're there for some time, or need increased capacity while waiting for a new stadium being built), is the North End of the ground, and it wouldn't involve losing the existing North Terrace. It's fairly simple, and here's what you do: - Roof comes off the Thatchers End. - Retain the standing terracing beneath (could be changed to safe-standing if regulations require). - Knock down the Clubhouse Bars. - You are left with the footprint of the clubhouse bars, behind the terracing, to build a new seated stand which could mirror the type of construction at the South End. Positives: - You retain the terrace. - No reduced capacity during the build. - Any new seats installed are a complete net gain. - You should be able to increase the capacity by 3,000 (minimum 2,000). - You've increased the seating capacity, ideal for families. - Could increase the tickets available to away fans at the South End (and less segregation space lost). - Possibility of a row of hospitality boxes between terrace and stand. Negatives: - You lose the clubhouse bars... This could be compensated by using the concourse beneath the new stand as a bar area. Might be smaller, but would be one whole room and the Fan Zone is outside anyway. So this could automatically increase the ground capacity by 3,000. If WAQ, TG & DB get plans in before Christmas, we could build the thing next close season. any idea of what the bars' turnover is on matchdays, does get very busy during matchday build up, not sure of how many go in after the match tho'... is it open during the week as a"normal" drinking venue? It's a good point that you need to take into consideration bar takings, but I would say you can create a new bar under any potential North Stand (maybe not quite as big total space, but one room bigger than each of the individual current two). Matchdays: I would imagine bar takings are very good. They could actually be higher, reading some people complain about queues to get drinks in the Fan Zone on some games. During the week: Not used as a 'normal' drinking venue. There are certain events put on now and again though. The Supporters Club Quiz Nights used to use a room, once a quarter, with 50+ people on an evening. Plus they do sometimes open it for special occasions, such as World Cup games, or a beam-back of a Rovers' game. There is also the bar room under the East Stand, which has a larger capacity, which can be used during the week. Might be times both areas are used. I do remember once that a Supporters Club Quiz was moved from the Clubhouse Bar to the East Stand bar, because there was some event on. |
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Post by The Concept on Jul 22, 2023 10:39:56 GMT
I would say that the East Stand should be the last of any redevelopment, because of the capacity you lose during demolition and rebuild, and as you say the facilities it holds. The next phase of any redevelopment of The Mem (should we know we're there for some time, or need increased capacity while waiting for a new stadium being built), is the North End of the ground, and it wouldn't involve losing the existing North Terrace. It's fairly simple, and here's what you do: - Roof comes off the Thatchers End. - Retain the standing terracing beneath (could be changed to safe-standing if regulations require). - Knock down the Clubhouse Bars. - You are left with the footprint of the clubhouse bars, behind the terracing, to build a new seated stand which could mirror the type of construction at the South End. Positives: - You retain the terrace. - No reduced capacity during the build. - Any new seats installed are a complete net gain. - You should be able to increase the capacity by 3,000 (minimum 2,000). - You've increased the seating capacity, ideal for families. - Could increase the tickets available to away fans at the South End (and less segregation space lost). - Possibility of a row of hospitality boxes between terrace and stand. Negatives: - You lose the clubhouse bars... This could be compensated by using the concourse beneath the new stand as a bar area. Might be smaller, but would be one whole room and the Fan Zone is outside anyway. So this could automatically increase the ground capacity by 3,000. If WAQ, TG & DB get plans in before Christmas, we could build the thing next close season. The thatchers end of the ground I completely agree with. If you look at the east side and the north side of our stadium its almost underground by 2/3 meters,so as you said, if we knocked down the bars and toilets behind the thatchers end you could easily do what we are doing at the south end on the top of that, making a 6/7k structure there for little cost. It's how I saw the east side redevelopment, but yours does make much more sense. The west stand for me is almost a dead horse.Meaning if we are not planning on staying at the mem "long term", there is no point doing much to it apart from modest upgrades as it does hold all our boxs etc.. Yes, if we were to continue developing The Mem even further after the North, it would be a toss-up up between the East and West sides as to which would be first. With the West I would knock down the hospitality boxes and create one tier of seating, all the way along, to maximise the seating capacity. You can go further backwards than we have at current, with a walkway/concourse underneath. Redevelop West first: You are losing far less in capacity whilst the build goes on. But you do lose the hospitality boxes and the income they bring until you rebuild the East. Redevelop East first: You can move backwards into the car park, stretch the length of the pitch and create a two-tier stand with hospitality boxes between the levels, and therefore keep the West hospitality boxes until it has been completed. Whichever you choose, I think it's vital North comes before either West or East to keep capacity to the highest possible during the time. |
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Post by swissgas on Jul 22, 2023 15:28:03 GMT
The thatchers end of the ground I completely agree with. If you look at the east side and the north side of our stadium its almost underground by 2/3 meters,so as you said, if we knocked down the bars and toilets behind the thatchers end you could easily do what we are doing at the south end on the top of that, making a 6/7k structure there for little cost. It's how I saw the east side redevelopment, but yours does make much more sense. The west stand for me is almost a dead horse.Meaning if we are not planning on staying at the mem "long term", there is no point doing much to it apart from modest upgrades as it does hold all our boxs etc.. Yes, if we were to continue developing The Mem even further after the North, it would be a toss-up up between the East and West sides as to which would be first. With the West I would knock down the hospitality boxes and create one tier of seating, all the way along, to maximise the seating capacity. You can go further backwards than we have at current, with a walkway/concourse underneath. Redevelop West first: You are losing far less in capacity whilst the build goes on. But you do lose the hospitality boxes and the income they bring until you rebuild the East. Redevelop East first: You can move backwards into the car park, stretch the length of the pitch and create a two-tier stand with hospitality boxes between the levels, and therefore keep the West hospitality boxes until it has been completed. Whichever you choose, I think it's vital North comes before either West or East to keep capacity to the highest possible during the time. This is a good conversation and I wish there was more free thinking on the Rovers forums. In your post yesterday you talked about a replacement of the Thatchers end “ mirroring the construction at the South End” but , as I said back in May, using this type of construction is where I think we are making a big mistake and missing a great opportunity. As more people are studying the plans and more objections are being raised there is a greater realization that what is being proposed is a very basic industrial type structure more like a big warehouse than a modern grandstand. So to consider replicating that in other parts of the ground would, IMO, be a very backward move. I like the skepticism which you and Icegas are showing by going into detailed discussion about redeveloping the Mem step by step despite us being told categorically this is not and never will be viable. You heretics ! The big question is “ where is the money coming from ?” The way the South Stand project has been handled there is a grave danger it will end up costing Rovers money rather that earning extra revenue as was the intention. Using a loan from Nationwide Finance means we could be incurring in excess of 200 000 per year interest charges. By rushing into it we have forsaken any possibility of getting financial assistance in the way of grants. And it is doubtful whether we will be able to get a lucrative sponsorship deal for this structure. So with the construction cost amortization and all the extra professional fees associated with planning delays it may well be that we need to get an extra 1000 on the gate for EVERY game just to break even. Doing it this way a stage by stage redevelopment of the Mem would certainly not be viable so if that is something we were to seriously consider there would have to be a much better plan and a much better way of financing it. The obvious way is a new strategy : Prioritise the maintenance of League 1 status while cutting costs to a competitive level. Engage professionals to design a modern stylish New Mem with plenty of revenue generating features and in consultation with the planners and local community. Use the cost savings made ( 3 + million pa ) to finance the project ourselves. |
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Post by The Concept on Jul 22, 2023 17:39:53 GMT
Yes, if we were to continue developing The Mem even further after the North, it would be a toss-up up between the East and West sides as to which would be first. With the West I would knock down the hospitality boxes and create one tier of seating, all the way along, to maximise the seating capacity. You can go further backwards than we have at current, with a walkway/concourse underneath. Redevelop West first: You are losing far less in capacity whilst the build goes on. But you do lose the hospitality boxes and the income they bring until you rebuild the East. Redevelop East first: You can move backwards into the car park, stretch the length of the pitch and create a two-tier stand with hospitality boxes between the levels, and therefore keep the West hospitality boxes until it has been completed. Whichever you choose, I think it's vital North comes before either West or East to keep capacity to the highest possible during the time. This is a good conversation and I wish there was more free thinking on the Rovers forums. In your post yesterday you talked about a replacement of the Thatchers end “ mirroring the construction at the South End” but , as I said back in May, using this type of construction is where I think we are making a big mistake and missing a great opportunity. As more people are studying the plans and more objections are being raised there is a greater realization that what is being proposed is a very basic industrial type structure more like a big warehouse than a modern grandstand. So to consider replicating that in other parts of the ground would, IMO, be a very backward move. I like the skepticism which you and Icegas are showing by going into detailed discussion about redeveloping the Mem step by step despite us being told categorically this is not and never will be viable. You heretics ! The big question is “ where is the money coming from ?” The way the South Stand project has been handled there is a grave danger it will end up costing Rovers money rather that earning extra revenue as was the intention. Using a loan from Nationwide Finance means we could be incurring in excess of 200 000 per year interest charges. By rushing into it we have forsaken any possibility of getting financial assistance in the way of grants. And it is doubtful whether we will be able to get a lucrative sponsorship deal for this structure. So with the construction cost amortization and all the extra professional fees associated with planning delays it may well be that we need to get an extra 1000 on the gate for EVERY game just to break even. Doing it this way a stage by stage redevelopment of the Mem would certainly not be viable so if that is something we were to seriously consider there would have to be a much better plan and a much better way of financing it. The obvious way is a new strategy : Prioritise the maintenance of League 1 status while cutting costs to a competitive level. Engage professionals to design a modern stylish New Mem with plenty of revenue generating features and in consultation with the planners and local community. Use the cost savings made ( 3 + million pa ) to finance the project ourselves. It's all hypothetical really, isn't it. The main reason I said mirror the type of construction planned for the South Stand (semi-permanent, halfway house), for a new North Stand, would be on the basis that our stay at The Mem is semi-permanent. Say we get to the Championship, the crowd will go up, more away fans to accommodate, then this is a quick way to increase capacity, without reducing capacity during build. If the intention is to move to a new site it might be 5, 10 years away, so it would be far more cost-efficient/effective to put up a semi-permanent structure. And even if the intention subsequently turns to staying at The Mem on a permanent basis, your focus is then on redeveloping the East and West sides. That is going to take a further 10+ years, and then at that point your previous semi-permanent structures behind each goal would be up for review and can over time be turned into a more permanent structures. The idea at the moment is to increase capacity, while keeping options open. I've read and heard people say they don't want the North redeveloped, as they don't want to lose the standing terrace. Well, you don't have to - keep the North standing terrace and build a seated stand on the footprint of the clubhouse bars behind it. p.s. You raise very valid concerns about the financing. Which in turn would put further redevelopment beyond the South Stand in doubt! |
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Post by swissgas on Jul 23, 2023 0:08:21 GMT
This is a good conversation and I wish there was more free thinking on the Rovers forums. In your post yesterday you talked about a replacement of the Thatchers end “ mirroring the construction at the South End” but , as I said back in May, using this type of construction is where I think we are making a big mistake and missing a great opportunity. As more people are studying the plans and more objections are being raised there is a greater realization that what is being proposed is a very basic industrial type structure more like a big warehouse than a modern grandstand. So to consider replicating that in other parts of the ground would, IMO, be a very backward move. I like the skepticism which you and Icegas are showing by going into detailed discussion about redeveloping the Mem step by step despite us being told categorically this is not and never will be viable. You heretics ! The big question is “ where is the money coming from ?” The way the South Stand project has been handled there is a grave danger it will end up costing Rovers money rather that earning extra revenue as was the intention. Using a loan from Nationwide Finance means we could be incurring in excess of 200 000 per year interest charges. By rushing into it we have forsaken any possibility of getting financial assistance in the way of grants. And it is doubtful whether we will be able to get a lucrative sponsorship deal for this structure. So with the construction cost amortization and all the extra professional fees associated with planning delays it may well be that we need to get an extra 1000 on the gate for EVERY game just to break even. Doing it this way a stage by stage redevelopment of the Mem would certainly not be viable so if that is something we were to seriously consider there would have to be a much better plan and a much better way of financing it. The obvious way is a new strategy : Prioritise the maintenance of League 1 status while cutting costs to a competitive level. Engage professionals to design a modern stylish New Mem with plenty of revenue generating features and in consultation with the planners and local community. Use the cost savings made ( 3 + million pa ) to finance the project ourselves. It's all hypothetical really, isn't it. The main reason I said mirror the type of construction planned for the South Stand (semi-permanent, halfway house), for a new North Stand, would be on the basis that our stay at The Mem is semi-permanent. Say we get to the Championship, the crowd will go up, more away fans to accommodate, then this is a quick way to increase capacity, without reducing capacity during build. If the intention is to move to a new site it might be 5, 10 years away, so it would be far more cost-efficient/effective to put up a semi-permanent structure. And even if the intention subsequently turns to staying at The Mem on a permanent basis, your focus is then on redeveloping the East and West sides. That is going to take a further 10+ years, and then at that point your previous semi-permanent structures behind each goal would be up for review and can over time be turned into a more permanent structures. The idea at the moment is to increase capacity, while keeping options open. I've read and heard people say they don't want the North redeveloped, as they don't want to lose the standing terrace. Well, you don't have to - keep the North standing terrace and build a seated stand on the footprint of the clubhouse bars behind it. p.s. You raise very valid concerns about the financing. Which in turn would put further redevelopment beyond the South Stand in doubt! It is hypothetical but still fun to discuss and in the past I spent many happy hours thinking about how an image or replica of the distinctive Totaliser Clocks from Eastville could be incorporated into a new stadium. If fans could have seen the Mem gradually evolving through one well designed modern grandstand scheduled to come onstream in 24/25 and with the knowledge that further matching structures were firmly on the drawing board then it would have been a sign of genuine progress. We would know that we were on our way to having a Championship ready ground with or without the Fruit Market Stadium which would not only bolster our confidence but also put us in a very strong negotiating position. As it is I think most Gasheads can see the way the wind is blowing and it won't be long before the recriminations start which is sad because a bit of forethought could have made this such a positive development. |
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Post by CabbagePatchBlues on Jul 23, 2023 8:08:15 GMT
It's all hypothetical really, isn't it. The main reason I said mirror the type of construction planned for the South Stand (semi-permanent, halfway house), for a new North Stand, would be on the basis that our stay at The Mem is semi-permanent. Say we get to the Championship, the crowd will go up, more away fans to accommodate, then this is a quick way to increase capacity, without reducing capacity during build. If the intention is to move to a new site it might be 5, 10 years away, so it would be far more cost-efficient/effective to put up a semi-permanent structure. And even if the intention subsequently turns to staying at The Mem on a permanent basis, your focus is then on redeveloping the East and West sides. That is going to take a further 10+ years, and then at that point your previous semi-permanent structures behind each goal would be up for review and can over time be turned into a more permanent structures. The idea at the moment is to increase capacity, while keeping options open. I've read and heard people say they don't want the North redeveloped, as they don't want to lose the standing terrace. Well, you don't have to - keep the North standing terrace and build a seated stand on the footprint of the clubhouse bars behind it. p.s. You raise very valid concerns about the financing. Which in turn would put further redevelopment beyond the South Stand in doubt! It is hypothetical but still fun to discuss and in the past I spent many happy hours thinking about how an image or replica of the distinctive Totaliser Clocks from Eastville could be incorporated into a new stadium. If fans could have seen the Mem gradually evolving through one well designed modern grandstand scheduled to come onstream in 24/25 and with the knowledge that further matching structures were firmly on the drawing board then it would have been a sign of genuine progress. We would know that we were on our way to having a Championship ready ground with or without the Fruit Market Stadium which would not only bolster our confidence but also put us in a very strong negotiating position. As it is I think most Gasheads can see the way the wind is blowing and it won't be long before the recriminations start which is sad because a bit of forethought could have made this such a positive development. I'm surprised nobody's come up with a 'scribble shirt' that incorporates the totalizer clocks |
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eppinggas
Administrator
Ian Alexander
Don't care
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 8,600
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Post by eppinggas on Jul 23, 2023 9:10:44 GMT
It's all hypothetical really, isn't it. The main reason I said mirror the type of construction planned for the South Stand (semi-permanent, halfway house), for a new North Stand, would be on the basis that our stay at The Mem is semi-permanent. Say we get to the Championship, the crowd will go up, more away fans to accommodate, then this is a quick way to increase capacity, without reducing capacity during build. If the intention is to move to a new site it might be 5, 10 years away, so it would be far more cost-efficient/effective to put up a semi-permanent structure. And even if the intention subsequently turns to staying at The Mem on a permanent basis, your focus is then on redeveloping the East and West sides. That is going to take a further 10+ years, and then at that point your previous semi-permanent structures behind each goal would be up for review and can over time be turned into a more permanent structures. The idea at the moment is to increase capacity, while keeping options open. I've read and heard people say they don't want the North redeveloped, as they don't want to lose the standing terrace. Well, you don't have to - keep the North standing terrace and build a seated stand on the footprint of the clubhouse bars behind it. p.s. You raise very valid concerns about the financing. Which in turn would put further redevelopment beyond the South Stand in doubt! It is hypothetical but still fun to discuss and in the past I spent many happy hours thinking about how an image or replica of the distinctive Totaliser Clocks from Eastville could be incorporated into a new stadium. If fans could have seen the Mem gradually evolving through one well designed modern grandstand scheduled to come onstream in 24/25 and with the knowledge that further matching structures were firmly on the drawing board then it would have been a sign of genuine progress. We would know that we were on our way to having a Championship ready ground with or without the Fruit Market Stadium which would not only bolster our confidence but also put us in a very strong negotiating position. As it is I think most Gasheads can see the way the wind is blowing and it won't be long before the recriminations start which is sad because a bit of forethought could have made this such a positive development. I earlier suggested a grand opening of the South Stand for September 23rd home to Wigan. I'm beginning to think that might be a tad optimistic. swissgas and The Concept - you are two of many who are better clued up than me... care to hazard a guess? I seem to have lost track of all the communications from BRFC regarding it. |
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Post by Colyton Gas. on Jul 23, 2023 9:22:42 GMT
 Bromley's new stand looks smart.No posts either. |
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Post by The Concept on Jul 24, 2023 8:42:20 GMT
It is hypothetical but still fun to discuss and in the past I spent many happy hours thinking about how an image or replica of the distinctive Totaliser Clocks from Eastville could be incorporated into a new stadium. If fans could have seen the Mem gradually evolving through one well designed modern grandstand scheduled to come onstream in 24/25 and with the knowledge that further matching structures were firmly on the drawing board then it would have been a sign of genuine progress. We would know that we were on our way to having a Championship ready ground with or without the Fruit Market Stadium which would not only bolster our confidence but also put us in a very strong negotiating position. As it is I think most Gasheads can see the way the wind is blowing and it won't be long before the recriminations start which is sad because a bit of forethought could have made this such a positive development. I earlier suggested a grand opening of the South Stand for September 23rd home to Wigan. I'm beginning to think that might be a tad optimistic. swissgas and The Concept - you are two of many who are better clued up than me... care to hazard a guess? I seem to have lost track of all the communications from BRFC regarding it. I wouldn't say I'm better clued up! September 23rd sounds around when I'd guess too. When it was announced, and we were told the plans were it would be read for the following season, I thought no chance. And speaking to people in the building game they were saying the same and that it would be 3 months / 12 weeks at best for planning to go through and then the build on top. People were then wondering whether Rovers had heard positives things in advance from BCC (if that is a possible thing), and that was why it appeared they were being bullish. I've read elsewhere people say that the build would be pretty quick, giving an example of the temporary 8,500 capacity 'Party Stand' at the OTCG only taking a week to put up. The difference there is that stand is complete scaffolding, similar to what we've just taken down, and open-air no roof to put up. We know the planning decision will be some time between 02/08/2023 and 24/08/2023. I'm no expert on the build time, but let's say for instance it takes a month - at best it won't be ready (built and safety certificate) for the start of September. Perhaps they can get the seats up and ready, then fit out any facilities underneath afterwards. Factor in Swiss has given us a list of other considerations. It might be the case we get planning consent, but with provisos. For instance, Swiss pointed out no mention of a retaining wall. Shrubs and bushes have been taken down, previously you didn't walk behind the stand, this means with the new plans Alton Road has no privacy screen. So less than 3 weeks until our first home fixture on 12/08/2023, and only 10 days until then from the earliest planning can be agreed, why have we (and Barnsley) not heard about ticketing arrangements? |
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Post by swissgas on Jul 25, 2023 13:32:05 GMT
It is hypothetical but still fun to discuss and in the past I spent many happy hours thinking about how an image or replica of the distinctive Totaliser Clocks from Eastville could be incorporated into a new stadium. If fans could have seen the Mem gradually evolving through one well designed modern grandstand scheduled to come onstream in 24/25 and with the knowledge that further matching structures were firmly on the drawing board then it would have been a sign of genuine progress. We would know that we were on our way to having a Championship ready ground with or without the Fruit Market Stadium which would not only bolster our confidence but also put us in a very strong negotiating position. As it is I think most Gasheads can see the way the wind is blowing and it won't be long before the recriminations start which is sad because a bit of forethought could have made this such a positive development. I earlier suggested a grand opening of the South Stand for September 23rd home to Wigan. I'm beginning to think that might be a tad optimistic. swissgas and The Concept - you are two of many who are better clued up than me... care to hazard a guess? I seem to have lost track of all the communications from BRFC regarding it. Sorry epping the time has come to put my thoughts on Rovers behind a pay wall. But don't worry it's only three feet tall so you'll soon get over it.  |
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Post by swissgas on Jul 28, 2023 15:04:09 GMT
Having only got 6 subscriptions to the new service (all from gaschatters) I've decided to go free to hot air again.
Is now the time to be proactive and seek a compromise on the South Stand project instead of getting embroiled in a Sainsburys style confrontational situation which could end up being disastrous for Rovers ?
To sit down with Arena Solutions and the BCC planners and try to come up with a workable solution to the problem we are facing. A revised lower profile structure along similar sight lines to the previous South/South West stands which will not impact on our neighbours, will still have room for a concourse type area to service spectators and which by stretching to the whole width of the pitch will allow a small increase over the previous capacity from say 1400 to 2000.
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