basel
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,064
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Post by basel on Jul 1, 2014 9:21:03 GMT
You would think there is money to be made for Sainsbury on the Mem site.The local population is over 30,000. But,if they've changed their "whole business strategy" (as Two headed sex beast explained might be)then that may well be that. So,that would leave Rovers looking very much non league,with the worst board in England sat in Box 1,grinning inanely surrounded by their failure. ..... having just collected £10m Compensation from Sainsbury for cancellation of a signed contract Chucking fantasy compensation figures around means nothing.
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Post by Wreckless on Jul 1, 2014 9:25:50 GMT
In today's Post they are reporting that Bristol's MP's have sent an open letter to the CEO of Sainsburys asking for reassurance that they are not going to pull out of the plan to build at the Mem. It's very worrying that they feel the need to do this and shows that the club are becoming frustrated and concerned about Sainsburys behaviour.
If it's an Open Letter, please will someone put it up on here.
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Post by Northville Blue on Jul 1, 2014 9:28:31 GMT
BRISTOL MPs have united to call for reassurances from Sainsbury’s that it will go ahead with its plans to build a supermarket on the Memorial Stadium in Horfield. MPs Charlotte Leslie, Stephen Williams, Kerry McCarthy and Dawn Primarolo have written an open letter to the supermarket group’s chief executive, Justin King. They say that the company has recently pulled out of other proposed stores – but say a decision to do the same in Horfield would be “catastrophic”. In the letter they say: “We note from the financial press that your company has announced the shelving of a number of proposed developments. We sincerely hope that this does not affect the Memorial Stadium redevelopment, as the consequences could be catastrophic for Bristol and, it goes without saying, the reputation of Sainsbury’s in the South West.” They point out that several vital projects and opportunities are hinging on the sale of Bristol Rovers’ current home, including the new stadium at the University of the West of England, housing and the business case for the metro railway system, which would have stations near the new stadium, not to mention hundreds of jobs at both the new stadium site and the new supermarket. The MPs tell Mr King: “We welcome the fact that after a long period of expensive legal proceedings, the sale of the Memorial Stadium site to your company now triggers extremely exciting, and indeed game-changing, developments for the City of Bristol. On conclusion of this deal, we look forward to recognising Sainsbury's as a valued partner in the region, unlocking over £200 million of vital investment in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. "Bristol is in desperate need of an arena fit for the 21st century. Such a ground would not only benefit Bristol Rovers FC, but also the university and wider business community across the South West. “The plans include provision for a 1,000 seat conference centre which will raise the profile of Bristol as a cultural and commercial hub for the region. Other benefits the stadium will bring include the creation of many long-term job opportunities for people working in and around the stadium, as well as providing a boost for local suppliers and construction firms during the building phase. This development also unleashes land for much-needed housing, and is a very significant boost for the business case for enhanced local railway, which impacts all of our constituencies. “Given the congestion in the area that is likely with other additional projected developments, were this rail enhancement and re-opening of old passenger line and stations not to take place, the Sainsbury's and stadium package also helps prevent traffic gridlock at Junction 17 of the M5 from becoming a 'tourniquet' to the rest of the South West. "Because of the obvious importance of these plans to our city, we write not only to welcome this development, but, given the delay already suffered, urge you to conclude any last remaining elements of this agreement with Bristol Rovers FC as soon as possible.” "As we are sure you will understand, this will not only provide peace of mind for the football club at what is a very emotional time in the club’s history, but will also do likewise for the university, local councils and the broader region and business community across the South West. Bristol North West MP Ms Leslie said: “The city needs this project and we need it to begin soon with no more delays and I look forward to hearing Mr King’s response.” Sainsbury’s was unable to comment on the points made in the MPs’ letter last night. In April, the company pulled out of a £70 million supermarket scheme in Tonbridge, Kent, while in May it canacelled plans for another store in Wadebridge, Cornwall, after work had already started on the site. In March Sainsbury's pulled the plug on a planned store in Canterbury, while in October last year the company axed plans for a new supermarket in Stewarton, in Ayrshire, Scotland. Read more: www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-MPs-tell-Sainsbury-s-reassure-won-t-pull/story-21310221-detail/story.html#ixzz36CvObUc6Read more at www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-MPs-tell-Sainsbury-s-reassure-won-t-pull/story-21310221-detail/story.html#FDqyhjDTomikpxoA.99
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2014 9:29:55 GMT
read the contact my friend
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RG2 Gas
Andy Spring
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 229
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Post by RG2 Gas on Jul 1, 2014 9:34:09 GMT
read the contact my friend Not available to mere mortals
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2014 9:36:08 GMT
read the contact my friend Not available to mere mortals Did not think Northville was Mortal
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Post by PeterHooper57 on Jul 1, 2014 9:36:45 GMT
Been saying for months Higgs could not deliver newspapers. He is to risk adverse, waited too long, and now Sainsburys are walking away. FFS
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2014 9:40:25 GMT
Been saying for months Higgs could not deliver newspapers. He is to risk adverse, waited too long, and now Sainsburys are walking away. FFS Cant you point me to where it states "Sainsbury are walking away" please ??
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Post by Wreckless on Jul 1, 2014 9:41:08 GMT
Three Comments:
I) Thanks to Northville Blue for putting up the article.
ii) Mike Coupe takes over from Justin King at the AGM on 9th July - so it's gone to the right person.
iii) I see the MPs' intervention as helpful to our cause, and I am agreeably surprised to see them taking positive action.
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Post by Topper Gas on Jul 1, 2014 9:42:34 GMT
"catastrophic for Bristol" for Rovers maybe but for Bristol I very much doubt it? You sense the MP's & NH has gopt wind of a something or surely they would have written an open letter. let's just hope if they do pull out we are entitled to some compensation.
It seems Trash may well have got thier wish after all, as w/o them the UWE could well now be half built and we could still be playing league football.
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basel
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,064
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Post by basel on Jul 1, 2014 9:45:17 GMT
If people like Gus Hoyt,Carstairs and Green Trash have won then Bristol may as well hang the closed sign up on the Bristol sign post.
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Post by lulworthgas on Jul 1, 2014 9:47:52 GMT
"catastrophic for Bristol" for Rovers maybe but for Bristol I very much doubt it? You sense the MP's & NH has gopt wind of a something or surely they would have written an open letter. let's just hope if they do pull out we are entitled to some compensation. It seems Trash may well have got thier wish after all, as w/o them the UWE could well now be half built and we could still be playing league football. And that will be the bitter pill, trash coming out and lording over their victory. If it doesn't get built then once my 22 years in the army are up in 4 years time I will not settle back in bristol. I love my city but can not bring myself to live in a city held back by non bristolians and the increasingly powerful Green Party. I can not believe that even when they hold the place back they are still getting positions on the council. Bristolians whinge about these people but don't take time to show their disgust and vote at elections. Pees me right off
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basel
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,064
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Post by basel on Jul 1, 2014 9:55:18 GMT
"catastrophic for Bristol" for Rovers maybe but for Bristol I very much doubt it? You sense the MP's & NH has gopt wind of a something or surely they would have written an open letter. let's just hope if they do pull out we are entitled to some compensation. It seems Trash may well have got thier wish after all, as w/o them the UWE could well now be half built and we could still be playing league football. And that will be the bitter pill, trash coming out and lording over their victory. If it doesn't get built then once my 22 years in the army are up in 4 years time I will not settle back in bristol. I love my city but can not bring myself to live in a city held back by non bristolians and the increasingly powerful Green Party. I can not believe that even when they hold the place back they are still getting positions on the council. Bristolians whinge about these people but don't take time to show their disgust and vote at elections. Pees me right off I'll be looking to leave Bristol as soon as possible if the likes of Gus Hoyt defeat this Sainsbury/UWE build.I don't want to live in a place that allows his type to rule the roost.
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Post by sw18gas on Jul 1, 2014 10:00:54 GMT
It could be a couple of things:
1) they might know there's a serious problem in which case they are trying to put pressure on - which would likely be futile, Sainsbury's don't "owe" anything to Bristol and their reputation wouldn't really suffer much; or
2) politicians realise that a letter like this reads well to constituents and they can then claim some credit if the stadium happens. So they might send it anyway, even if there is "nothing afoot".
Either way they can't really lose. I also think that even if it helps the cause by just 1% then I'm glad they are doing it. I doubt it makes as much difference as even that, but you see my point.
It does seem to me that there might be genuine wobbling. But in saying that it's normal when a CEO changes for all big decisions to go on hold pending his review and wider strategic direction (although in the scheme of things this isn't that big a deal for Sainsbury's).
To sum up: we haven't a clue, and the waiting is agony...
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Post by PessimistGas on Jul 1, 2014 10:21:39 GMT
If this wasn't water-tight when we got into it, then someone is being ridiculously naive. There's no way that any business should commit themselves to a massive long-term project like this that depended on the changeable, short-term whims of a huge company like Sainsbury's. Or Opal.
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RG2 Gas
Andy Spring
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 229
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Post by RG2 Gas on Jul 1, 2014 10:48:09 GMT
www.bristolpost.co.uk/look-Sainsbury-s-store-Bristol-Rovers-Memorial/story-14123274-detail/story.html
From Dec 13, 2011:
THIS is the first glimpse of the proposed Sainsbury's store at the Memorial Stadium in Horfield.
Details of the scheme were exclusively revealed to the Evening Post after Bristol Rovers reached a historic milestone by signing all the legal contracts with the supermarket chain and the University of the West of England.
It means planning consents for the proposed store and the new £40-million stadium on UWE land near the Ministry of Defence procurement base at Abbeywood are the only remaining hurdles to overcome.
The planned store includes a number of elements designed to ease worries among residents.
These deal with size, height, access and opening hours.
The plans also show there would be no petrol station and the store would be "wrapped" on two sides by new homes to create a buffer between the store and existing homes.
Sainsbury's is keen to stress that it wants to be a good neighbour, and will seriously consider all feedback during a consultation exercise in January.
This includes the topic of the Memorial Gates, which the firm has promised to protect, and possible creation of a memorial garden. The exact details will not be known until feedback is received from residents and interested parties.
Ben Littman, regional development executive for Sainsbury's, said: "It is important to us that we eventually get a scheme that will suit the needs of everyone in the local area. There is no point in coming up with a design in complete isolation and foisting it on the community."
The store would sell food and other goods.
The consultation exercise with people living close to the Memorial Stadium has been delayed until the new year so that it does not run over the festive season when many people are away. Once people's views have been gathered, Sainsbury's may revise the scheme before submitting a planning application to Bristol City Council in the spring.
Building work would not start until the club had its new UWE Stadium at Frenchay, a development that still has to win planning permission from South Gloucestershire Council.
After plans have been submitted, both local authorities will have to carry out their own consultation exercises before councillors decide whether to grant consent.
If all goes to plan, the club hopes to be playing matches at the new stadium sometime during the 2014/15 season. The new store would not open until 2015/16.
Club chairman Nick Higgs said: "We think that Sainsbury's has come up with an incredibly sympathetic design. It has looked very carefully at previous proposals and concerns and taken them on board.
"One of the reasons we entered into partnership with Sainsbury's is due to the fact it showed very clearly that it wants to be good neighbours in the locality."
Mr Higgs underlined the importance of the tripartite agreement between the club, UWE and Sainsbury's when he said: "This is a massive milestone for the club. All the complex legal negotiations are now concluded which ensures the funding and enables us to proceed."
He added: "We feel the deal is so important because of the benefit it will bring to the wider Bristol community."
Mr Littman said: "In many ways, the exchange of contracts is the first step and now the hard work begins in terms of consultation and winning planning permission."
Bristol Rovers has said from the outset delivering the new stadium was dependent on revenue from the sale of the Memorial Stadium site.
The club and Bristol UWE announced in June their plans to build a new stadium on scrubland near the university's Frenchay campus.
The 20,000-seat stadium would include teaching facilities so students would be able to undertake project work and research studies which were linked to the new ground.
There would be a club shop, banqueting and hospitality suite, convenience store, gym and jogging track. Part of the deal is to provide a 1,270-space car park which can be used by university staff and students during the day and by football fans on match days.
The club and the university held a consultation exercise on the stadium plans in the summer and the feedback is being collated.
It is expected a planning application will be submitted sometime in the new year.
UWE vice-chancellor Professor Steve West said: "I am delighted we have been able to take this initiative for Bristol and South Gloucestershire a step further to reality.
"At a time when belts are tightening, it is good to see this ambition being realised with the investment and growth flowing into the region.
"We hope the UWE stadium will allow the university to reach out to young people and our diverse communities across the region."
The club has lined up a "Plan B" if its hopes of a new stadium fall by the wayside. It has applied for renewal of planning permission to redevelop the Memorial Stadium which Mr Higgs described as a "failsafe position".
Planning permission was given by the city council in January 2007 for a £35-million redevelopment of the current ground. The 18,500-seat stadium scheme also has consent for an 84-bed hotel, 550 units of student accommodation, convenience store, restaurant, bar and a creche.
The consent, which runs for five years, will expire in January unless the club applies for its renewal.
Unlike the Sainsbury's store – which would not be obtrusive on the city skyline – a new stadium would see stands up to seven storeys high.
The club has made several attempts in the past to build a new stadium but for one reason or another they have fizzled out. But the signing of the legal contracts on this latest package means Rovers' fans now have every reason to be optimistic they will finally get a new, modern stadium.
Read more: www.bristolpost.co.uk/look-Sainsbury-s-store-Bristol-Rovers-Memorial/story-14123274-detail/story.html#ixzz36DFGFdWr
Read more at www.bristolpost.co.uk/look-Sainsbury-s-store-Bristol-Rovers-Memorial/story-14123274-detail/story.html#O4ftOXwIotMD8KBh.99
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Post by warwickgas on Jul 1, 2014 10:49:31 GMT
Opal were going out of business and couldn't/wouldn't honour a compensation clause.
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Post by Northville Blue on Jul 1, 2014 11:16:00 GMT
Not available to mere mortals Did not think Northville was Mortal Tosser smilie
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Post by Northville Blue on Jul 1, 2014 11:18:08 GMT
Opal were going out of business and couldn't/wouldn't honour a compensation clause. They are still in business aren't they?
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kingswood Polak
Without music life would be a mistake
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10,278
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Post by kingswood Polak on Jul 1, 2014 11:19:26 GMT
"catastrophic for Bristol" for Rovers maybe but for Bristol I very much doubt it? You sense the MP's & NH has gopt wind of a something or surely they would have written an open letter. let's just hope if they do pull out we are entitled to some compensation. It seems Trash may well have got thier wish after all, as w/o them the UWE could well now be half built and we could still be playing league football. You can bet that even without TRASH that there would have been ongoing talks. Companies like Sainsbury are going through rationalisation programmes and are changing the sales strategy as the ways people buy are changing dramatically, more are shopping online and less are undertaking big weekly shopping trips. It doesn't take too much thinking about to understand that Sainsbury would be looking to maximise output and minimise expenditure and especially now, when many are purchasing more astutely and less wastefully. Yes, TRASH caused damage but I do not believe we would be much further ahead. One could argue that maybe we would have stayed in the FL as it is clear that our glorious leader took his eye from the footballing side just when we needed him to give it his FULL attention.
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