vaughan
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 1,237 
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Post by vaughan on Feb 10, 2021 11:42:37 GMT
The usual reasons are that it is too small to re-develop.
I disagree. For a team that has rarely averaged over 10k for generations, how big is big enough?
Building a new East Stand (8k) with in-house facilities and doubling the terracing (ready for safe standing) on the North would increase the Stadium to 18,000.
The bit that I don't understand. If we move, where are all the new revenue streams are going to come from that can not also be provided at the Mem?
Retail?
Gym?
Hotel?
Conferences?
Just like UWE, where is the business model that justifies building a brand new Stadium elsewhere?
I agree with Staffs, who mentions it in every post. Our current ground is a disgrace. But it is ours and can be made so much better. Moving out of town to a mixed development would be a mistake.
I do think that we need a decision urgently.
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irishrover
Global Moderator
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 3,372
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Post by irishrover on Feb 10, 2021 12:02:27 GMT
Hasn't the issue rather more tended to be that multiple owners have suggested that need to sell the Mem in order to enable us to afford developing a ground?
Personally, I'd have no problem staying at the Mem on that basis.
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2021 12:26:22 GMT
Hasn't the issue rather more tended to be that multiple owners have suggested that need to sell the Mem in order to enable us to afford developing a ground?
Personally, I'd have no problem staying at the Mem on that basis.
The Mem was big enough until Opal pulled out and Higgs was persuaded to follow a scheme which fell over at the last hurdle, finance and terms of lease. As far as I can see The Mem is the only option given that the owners already own the land reducing the overall costs immensely. Let's go back to the idea of living within our means and improving our own home. Perhaps the owners could reengage with the original mastermind of the Memorial Stadium regeneration scheme who got it to the planning stage but sadly left the board before he could see it built. Colin Williams is currently twiddling his thumbs following retirement and I'm sure he would be only too pleased to help. |
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absent
Joined: February 2021
Posts: 306
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Post by absent on Feb 10, 2021 12:38:29 GMT
I would infinitely prefer a redeveloped Mem over any other option that has ever been presented.
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Post by johnmalyckyj on Feb 10, 2021 12:40:53 GMT
Hasn't the issue rather more tended to be that multiple owners have suggested that need to sell the Mem in order to enable us to afford developing a ground?
Personally, I'd have no problem staying at the Mem on that basis.
The Mem was big enough until Opal pulled out and Higgs was persuaded to follow a scheme which fell over at the last hurdle, finance and terms of lease. As far as I can see The Mem is the only option given that the owners already own the land reducing the overall costs immensely. Let's go back to the idea of living within our means and improving our own home. Perhaps the owners could reengage with the original mastermind of the Memorial Stadium regeneration scheme who got it to the planning stage but sadly left the board before he could see it built. Colin Williams is currently twiddling his thumbs following retirement and I'm sure he would be only too pleased to help. What a sensible post...I am not sure Mrs Williams will be too happy though. Regards John Malyckyj |
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2021 13:05:24 GMT
I would infinitely prefer a redeveloped Mem over any other option that has ever been presented. Since you're so infrequently here, my Latvian friend, it is increasingly difficult for me to identify when you're occasionally not being sarcastic. |
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harrybuckle
Always look on the bright side
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 5,567
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Post by harrybuckle on Feb 10, 2021 13:08:55 GMT
Sensible solution develope stadium while no fans are attending what's not to like!
Prefer staying in BS7
Has anyone else heard the Welly has been sold by Bath Sales to a foreign developer for luxury flats and the pub won't re open ?
Sad if this is true.
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2021 13:17:14 GMT
I absolutely Vote Mem, by the way.
Quit with 'Memorial Stadium' though.
Its historical name is Memorial Ground.
Rovers had Eastville Stadium.
They played at Twerton Park.
Bristol return was at the Memorial Ground.
'Memorial Stadium' is a running joke, of which we are the butt. The 'stadium' the renaming suggested never got built. But even if it was, I would prefer not another 'stadium' suffix. 'Memorial' is as original suffix as any, if you prefer to change the prefix.
The confined constrains of the site would force the architect into something tighter, closer, and more atmospheric than the bloated overspaced modern identikit stadia in which one quietly observes footballers from increasing distance.
Build The Mem, please, Mr Al Qadi.
A fiver says he doesn't.
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2021 13:19:27 GMT
The Mem was big enough until Opal pulled out and Higgs was persuaded to follow a scheme which fell over at the last hurdle, finance and terms of lease. As far as I can see The Mem is the only option given that the owners already own the land reducing the overall costs immensely. Let's go back to the idea of living within our means and improving our own home. Perhaps the owners could reengage with the original mastermind of the Memorial Stadium regeneration scheme who got it to the planning stage but sadly left the board before he could see it built. Colin Williams is currently twiddling his thumbs following retirement and I'm sure he would be only too pleased to help. What a sensible post...I am not sure Mrs Williams will be too happy though. Regards John Malyckyj Mrs Williams loves Rovers and her love of the club is why Colin stayed committed. |
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2021 13:21:12 GMT
I would infinitely prefer a redeveloped Mem over any other option that has ever been presented. Since you're so infrequently here, my Latvian friend, it is increasingly difficult for me to identify when you're occasionally not being sarcastic. I don't think The Latvian does sarcasm and it's great to hear from him. |
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2021 13:29:02 GMT
I absolutely Vote Mem, by the way. Quit with 'Memorial Stadium' though. Its historical name is Memorial Ground. Rovers had Eastville Stadium. They played at Twerton Park. Bristol return was at the Memorial Ground. 'Memorial Stadium' is a running joke, of which we are the butt. The 'stadium' the renaming suggested never got built. But even if it was, I would prefer not another 'stadium' suffix. 'Memorial' is as original suffix as any, if you prefer to change the prefix. The confined constrains of the site would force the architect into something tighter, closer, and more atmospheric than the bloated overspaced modern identikit stadia in which one quietly observes footballers from increasing distance. Build The Mem, please, Mr Al Qadi. A fiver says he doesn't. Sadly I believe the name will be whatever the highest bidder wants it to be called. Staffordshire mentioned earlier about Stokes ground. That was originally financed with a 10 year interest free loan in exchange for being called The Brittania Stadium. |
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vaughan
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 1,237
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Post by vaughan on Feb 10, 2021 13:34:00 GMT
Thanks for above.
I keep hearing it's a non-starter. The more people say it, the more it is taken as gospel.
I am more convinced that the Stadium / ground has to generate atmosphere. Tight stands, high terracing etc.
In post-Covid times, we need to offer a differentiator. So many grounds are soulless. Wall to wall football on the television.
Take a look at Union Berlin and see how they have built their own ethos. Interesting case of how going to football can still be described as an experience, irrespective of the result.
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2021 14:10:54 GMT
Since you're so infrequently here, my Latvian friend, it is increasingly difficult for me to identify when you're occasionally not being sarcastic. I don't think The Latvian does sarcasm and it's great to hear from him. He is the finest executor of the sarcasm art on here. I think it is you who are being sarcastic. But it is good to have him back. |
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eppinggas
Administrator
Ian Alexander
Don't care
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 8,604
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Post by eppinggas on Feb 10, 2021 15:41:47 GMT
Thanks for above. I keep hearing it's a non-starter. The more people say it, the more it is taken as gospel. I am more convinced that the Stadium / ground has to generate atmosphere. Tight stands, high terracing etc. In post-Covid times, we need to offer a differentiator. So many grounds are soulless. Wall to wall football on the television. Take a look at Union Berlin and see how they have built their own ethos. Interesting case of how going to football can still be described as an experience, irrespective of the result. Eisern Union! The current football 'model' is totally broken. We need to do things differently. I'd take a subtle blend of Accrington Stanley and Union Berlin and start again... |
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Rex
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 3,287
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Post by Rex on Feb 10, 2021 15:50:21 GMT
The Mem has always been my preferred option. People can bang on all they want about football being a business and that every club has to have ambition to play at this or that level to survive. Well it isn't for me. Football- specifically Rovers- is a chance to meet up with mates have a laugh and a drink and, on increasingly rare occasions, be thrilled by a result or performance.
Being in walking distance of Gloucester Road enhances my enjoyment no end. Promotion against Dagenham was one of the most enjoyable days of my life, it will stay with me to the end. If we had been in an out of town stadium miles from the nearest pub, I'm pretty sure that day would have been nowhere near so much fun.
I'm 56 years old and-some may say selfishly- whatever long term benefits the club may get from a new ground are of little interest to me. I want to enjoy going to Rovers now.
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Post by toteend3 on Feb 10, 2021 15:52:21 GMT
The usual reasons are that it is too small to re-develop. I disagree. For a team that has rarely averaged over 10k for generations, how big is big enough? Building a new East Stand (8k) with in-house facilities and doubling the terracing (ready for safe standing) on the North would increase the Stadium to 18,000. The bit that I don't understand. If we move, where are all the new revenue streams are going to come from that can not also be provided at the Mem? Retail? Gym? Hotel? Conferences? Just like UWE, where is the business model that justifies building a brand new Stadium elsewhere? I agree with Staffs, who mentions it in every post. Our current ground is a disgrace. But it is ours and can be made so much better. Moving out of town to a mixed development would be a mistake. I do think that we need a decision urgently. Agreed - Chuck in an underground car park (ie Spurs) and Bobs (Dolan) your uncle! |
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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 Feb 11, 2021 12:52:16 GMT
The Mem has always been my preferred option. People can bang on all they want about football being a business and that every club has to have ambition to play at this or that level to survive. Well it isn't for me. Football- specifically Rovers- is a chance to meet up with mates have a laugh and a drink and, on increasingly rare occasions, be thrilled by a result or performance. Being in walking distance of Gloucester Road enhances my enjoyment no end. Promotion against Dagenham was one of the most enjoyable days of my life, it will stay with me to the end. If we had been in an out of town stadium miles from the nearest pub, I'm pretty sure that day would have been nowhere near so much fun. I'm 56 years old and-some may say selfishly- whatever long term benefits the club may get from a new ground are of little interest to me. I want to enjoy going to Rovers now. Absolutely spot on and, apart from me living in Kingswood, this is totally how I feel. I’m 57 and would love to experience at least one or two more days like that, 3 day hangover didn’t matter. |
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eppinggas
Administrator
Ian Alexander
Don't care
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 8,604
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Post by eppinggas on Feb 11, 2021 13:08:14 GMT
Sadly if we are looking at redeveloping the Mem... it would cost (can't remember the numbers) circa £20-30mil to get anywhere near a 20,000 capacity.
At one stage I thought we were looking at slowly redeveloping the ground and increasing capacity. Incremental growth. OK, makes sense, I'm a patient man.
That was 2 1/2 years ago before the architecturally stunning Family Tent was unceremoniously plonked on the East Terrace.
Wael isn't going to pump anywhere near £20-£30mil into redevelopment, and to be fair, I don't blame him.
Even with additional commercial non-match day revenue, he won't recoup his investment, let alone make a profit in the foreseeable future. If ever.
A new stadium - would require even more financial commitment. But Wael is (seemingly) unwilling to give up a controlling interest. Hence there is no opportunity of out-side investment.
Who's going to trust Mr Al-Qadi at the steering Wael? Seriously.
Dejected of Epping.
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Rex
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 3,287
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Post by Rex on Feb 12, 2021 10:30:18 GMT
The Mem has always been my preferred option. People can bang on all they want about football being a business and that every club has to have ambition to play at this or that level to survive. Well it isn't for me. Football- specifically Rovers- is a chance to meet up with mates have a laugh and a drink and, on increasingly rare occasions, be thrilled by a result or performance. Being in walking distance of Gloucester Road enhances my enjoyment no end. Promotion against Dagenham was one of the most enjoyable days of my life, it will stay with me to the end. If we had been in an out of town stadium miles from the nearest pub, I'm pretty sure that day would have been nowhere near so much fun. I'm 56 years old and-some may say selfishly- whatever long term benefits the club may get from a new ground are of little interest to me. I want to enjoy going to Rovers now. , this is totally how I feel. I’m 57 and would love to experience at least one or two more days like that, 3 day hangover didn’t matter. I live in Hanham, it's the ground being within walking distance of Gloucester Road that I like. Even the journey home back to Hanham was fun that night, taxi to Kingswood to carry on celebrating there- but then realising I couldn't drink another drop, trying to stagger home and bumped into mates doing the same thing. Like you. one more day like that and I'll be happy! |
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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 Feb 12, 2021 12:31:08 GMT
Absolutely spot on and, apart from me living in Kingswood, this is totally how I feel. I’m 57 and would love to experience at least one or two more days like that, 3 day hangover didn’t matter. I live in Hanham, it's the ground being within walking distance of Gloucester Road that I like. Even the journey home back to Hanham was fun that night, taxi to Kingswood to carry on celebrating there- but then realising I couldn't drink another drop, trying to stagger home and bumped into mates doing the same thing. Like you. one more day like that and I'll be happy! I wish I could walk to the mem, like we all used to at Eastville. It was part and parcel of the day or night. We would meet up with speedwell and Hillfields and then a few from Easton. It would be quite a mob by the time we got to the pub, opposite the black swan whose name I have forgotten right now. We had a fair few, who had given up on Rovers, start to go again but, as usual, it all fell apart and I think it is a big ask to see that happening again. I was so drunk that I could not put the key in the front door so I slept on the lawn 😂😂. John Thompson’s books, positivity beyond my dreams and old friends coming to games again. What a bloody waste. I just don’t see el presidente as someone who is even thinking of giving up his ruling interest. As much as I’d love to see a better day and some success, I cannot see it under the present set up, in fact I am sure of it. It will be interesting to see how many come to games, when and if that happens, I see a fair crowd for the first games but more due to seeing friends than the football. I already know some that come for pre and post match games but do not go to the game. Very sad and bad times for us supporters. When the time comes, if you ever need a lift to the mem then me and my mate take it in turns to drive, you are welcome to come fella |
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