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Post by toteend3 on Feb 14, 2021 13:41:15 GMT
My take on the stadium situation is this: The Mem is the ONLY stadium we have ever owned in my lifetime. It is a noisy, intimidating place to visit (or it could be if we had something to shout about). We have tried (and failed) many times to move to a new ground. We have deep roots in Horfield now, and I think we should stay and develop The Mem. I don't want to move. We are a Division 3 side historically, with ambitions to move to Division 2. I think we should focus on that goal. A compact 15K stadium would be perfect in my opinion. I don't see why we can't achieve that whilst building in non-football facilities (conference facilities, sports bar, etc).Our ambitions should be to become an established Championship side at The Mem. That is achievable with a little ambition, planning and organisation. I am NOT a happy clapper. I'm fed up with our mediocre recent history. I want to see progress in my lifetime! Yup - agree with pretty much all of that. BUT. Is there room to build profit generating non-football facilities? We'd almost certainly have to extend in to the east car park. Not impossible though. So far, so good. More importantly. Even at 15,000 - and bringing us into the 21st century... How much would that cost? Total guess, anywhere between £10mil - £20mil (who knows, it won't come cheap though). I doubt Wael can fund that on his own. I doubt there will be interest from outside investors. I doubt the ability to raise funds from supporters. So... answers on a postcard. Frustration shared. All the more frustrating when one player such as Harry Maguire is 'worth' 80 Million - That's How many rebuilt 'Mem's'? |
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2021 13:43:34 GMT
There's a bit of PR work to do around the SC and what's happened with our SS Directors before anybody can even think of floating the idea of a scheme that involves supporter investment into ground improvements.
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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 14, 2021 14:47:02 GMT
There's a bit of PR work to do around the SC and what's happened with our SS Directors before anybody can even think of floating the idea of a scheme that involves supporter investment into ground improvements. Pretty sure WAQ doesn’t want to engage with the SC, not anyone who would ask him questions. |
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Feb 15, 2021 7:06:06 GMT
According to the Memorial gates, the Memorial Ground was established in 1921. If this is the Mem's centenary, it ought to be renewed respectfully.
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Post by The Concept on Mar 21, 2021 9:53:45 GMT
Personally I've never felt at home at The Mem, not even as at home when at Twerton Park. However, there is plenty of scope to redevelop The Mem, and it doesn't have to be all in one go, with minimal impact to capacity all the way.
- Footprint: First thing is rugby is never coming back to The Mem - we no longer need to keep the 'in-goal' areas, meaning 5 yards behind each goal is wasted.
- Move the pitch: move 5 yards towards The Thatchers End, and you have 5-10 yards more space for the South Stand.
- South Stand: A proper new South Stand, the full width of the pitch. The front row raised (like Leyton Orient and other grounds), then a concourse below the seats (like Fulham; Sophia Gardens, Cardiff; Lords, and others). I think the largest capacity we've had for the 'temporary' South Stand has been 1,600, so with the bigger footprint there is no reason why it can't be 2,000 plus (similar to the away end at Wycombe).
- North Stand: I would keep the Thatcher's Terrace and build a stand behind. It's not compulsory for us to go all-seater where we are in the EFL. And who knows, the rules for higher tiers may change other time, and if not worry about it if we ever get there. There is no reason why the footprint of the Clubhouse Bars can't provide a 2,000 - 3,000 seat stand (like Millwall's upper tier). Ground floor can still contain bars, and possibly a layer of hospitality boxes between. You keep the capacity of the standing in front, while providing an area of standing for those who prefer that option.
- East Stand: Knock down and start from scratch. Go back into the existing car park (but make sure sight-lines are right so you can see the near touch-line!! :-) ). Double-deck seating. Hospitality boxes full length between tiers. Facilities such as offices, shop, changing rooms all based this side. Could increase capacity this side by around 5,000.
- West Stand: Knock down and start from scratch. Only needs to be a plain single tier stand the whole length, as the facilities are now moved to the East Stand. Like the South Stand the front row could be raised and concourse/walkway beneath the seats. Maybe keep the TV gantry, if not feasible that goes to East Stand. The area should be able to have at least a 4,000 seat stand.
A rough estimate you should be able to increase capacity by at least 8,000 (if not more) over time.
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Post by o2o2bo2ba on Mar 21, 2021 10:39:39 GMT
The thing is with this bump, it's plainly obvious it CAN be the Mem.
Nice ideas from the concept, there..... and purely selfishly I would love the Mem as it's walking distance for me, and Gloucester Road holds many a fine watering hole and other bounties.
Why hasn't there been any restoration work or progress to improve the Mem since we retained our league status? (Apart from a Guinness temporary stand)
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Rex
Predictions League
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Posts: 3,287
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Post by Rex on Mar 21, 2021 10:47:08 GMT
I love the Mem, unlike The Concept, I feel totally at home there and since I started watching in 1974, it is, by some distance , the ground that I have seen the majority of my Rovers games on (in fact, I would imagine that is the case for a very large majority of our support). If we could develop it AND keep some 'normal' terracing, I would be a very happy bunny (apart from 5pm on a Saturday when we have crashed to another home defeat of course)
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2021 12:36:12 GMT
Surely it can’t be beyond the realms of possibility to turn the stadium we own into a reasonable 15,000 seater stadium which provides enough of a return to home a financially sustainable lower division football club?
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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 Mar 21, 2021 14:05:38 GMT
Stay at the Mem and redevelop over 5 years would satisfy the majority. Some of the soul less new stadium s have become nowadays.
Has anyone else heard that the Welly has been closed and sold for luxury flats ?
Maybe a new block for Joey and his entourage.
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Post by richmace on Mar 21, 2021 16:03:30 GMT
The vision laid out by "The Concept" is perfect and completely do-able. You could include a sports bar within the new East Stand very easily.
It has potential to be a really good development IMO. Why waste time looking elsewhere?
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bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,749
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Post by bluetornados on Mar 21, 2021 16:50:04 GMT
Surely it can’t be beyond the realms of possibility to turn the stadium we own into a reasonable 15,000 seater stadium which provides enough of a return to home a financially sustainable lower division football club? Agree, 20 years ago i was invited with many others to attend a flash presentation at the Cross Keys in Yate about a new stadium, we all had an input and left in a positive mood. We have had numerous hopeful pie in the sky projects released to us fans and yet nothing, time to stay where we are and develop a fortress a bit like Twerton was. I too feel like the Mem is my/our stadium and have thought of it as my 2nd home from home - (Cider, Pies, Tea, Coffee, not the same without them). |
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Post by swissgas on Mar 21, 2021 16:58:03 GMT
A few years ago I had a meeting about Rovers with the Chief Commercial Officer of this company. www.jmisports.com/services/sports-facility-development/Their owner had previously tried to buy Everton and Nottingham Forest, they were heavily involved in College Sport and they had extensive experience in stadium development. So I tried to make a hard sell on the potential of Rovers, the UWE partnership and the possible synergy with JMI’s aspiration. But I was slightly taken aback when told that they saw a better future for stadium development within a city rather than on the outskirts and my subsequent research showed that this indeed is the way things have trended. We covered a lot of ground in that meeting but the eventual outcome was that they didn’t want to take it further because their owner had specific requirements which Rovers could not meet. A full Mem redevelopment must be worth considering but Wael has made his position perfectly clear so , unless he is prepared to change that and be willing to make significant sacrifices, then I doubt it ever will be. |
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Post by o2o2bo2ba on Mar 21, 2021 17:09:54 GMT
"but the eventual outcome was that they didn’t want to take it further because their owner had specific requirements which Rovers could not meet..."
I know this is a regurgitation, but what were the specific requirements which Rovers could not meet?
It appears key to the negotiations breaking down?
I'm amazed we (as a club or Dwayne or consortium or something similar) haven't been able to take advantage of UWE in some way.... We both have similar objectives, we can both thrive under a project that's mutually beneficial.
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Post by swissgas on Mar 21, 2021 17:28:21 GMT
"but the eventual outcome was that they didn’t want to take it further because their owner had specific requirements which Rovers could not meet..." I know this is a regurgitation, but what were the specific requirements which Rovers could not meet? It appears key to the negotiations breaking down? I'm amazed we (as a club or Dwayne or consortium or something similar) haven't been able to take advantage of UWE in some way.... We both have similar objectives, we can both thrive under a project that's mutually beneficial. We were too low in the football pyramid. I’ve probably made the mistake of aiming unrealistically high as in the Real Mallorca episode I posted about previously. And a few times I’ve managed to get introductions to serious sporting investors but found myself a little humiliated by the response when they found out which club was involved. But if you want to get anywhere in life’s great adventure you have to be thick-skinned  |
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Post by gasandproud on Mar 21, 2021 18:05:53 GMT
"but the eventual outcome was that they didn’t want to take it further because their owner had specific requirements which Rovers could not meet..." I know this is a regurgitation, but what were the specific requirements which Rovers could not meet? It appears key to the negotiations breaking down? I'm amazed we (as a club or Dwayne or consortium or something similar) haven't been able to take advantage of UWE in some way.... We both have similar objectives, we can both thrive under a project that's mutually beneficial. We were too low in the football pyramid. I’ve probably made the mistake of aiming unrealistically high as in the Real Mallorca episode I posted about previously. And a few times I’ve managed to get introductions to serious sporting investors but found myself a little humiliated by the response when they found out which club was involved. But if you want to get anywhere in life’s great adventure you have to be thick-skinned I’ve mentioned one scheme already on here involving a new location. There is no reason at all if the club came back to me that I can’t bring to the table a company who may look at a redevelopment of the Mem of some sorts. This was something that was discussed (albeit briefly) last time whereby they would kit out the stadium to accommodate a particular opportunity in the short term until a new stadium was ready. I can’t guarantee this would work for any party but I’m confident I can get them back to the table if the club wanted to investigate this option. These guys are working with another organisation in the local area on a plan for a scheme involving a new facility on land owned by that organisation. Admittedly this is a totally different scheme but they are creative with a cv covering all different kinds of arenas, stadiums and facilities. Like last time, this doesn’t have to involve a change of ownership of the club or investment etc. Assuming the club have the funds to complete such a redevelopment. If not then again a funding plan could be discussed involving naming rights, infrastructure and non football income or even a partnership with other local organisations like Swiss has suggested with UWE above. I’ve done all I can and it’s frustrating because all options should be investigated in my opinion. If the club are uncomfortable with me for some reason then I will happily make an introduction and then step away. |
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Post by CabbagePatchBlues on Mar 22, 2021 6:48:33 GMT
As I recall from the optimistic wave of discussions when the New Mem blueprint was on the table all those years ago, the bedrock is not far below the surface so would effectively rule out an underground car park.
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Delsy
Joined: October 2019
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Post by Delsy on Mar 22, 2021 9:50:58 GMT
Which is mainly in line with a good deal of the rest of the city which makes Marv's underground dream.... well perhaps just a dream !
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Post by CabbagePatchBlues on Mar 22, 2021 10:35:28 GMT
It’s possible of course, as proven by the many metro systems and road tunnels blasted through rock around the world. But this is Bristol and public transport is one thing, a footy stadium surrounded by houses quite another.
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irishrover
Global Moderator
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 3,372
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Post by irishrover on Mar 22, 2021 13:18:21 GMT
A few years ago I had a meeting about Rovers with the Chief Commercial Officer of this company. www.jmisports.com/services/sports-facility-development/Their owner had previously tried to buy Everton and Nottingham Forest, they were heavily involved in College Sport and they had extensive experience in stadium development. So I tried to make a hard sell on the potential of Rovers, the UWE partnership and the possible synergy with JMI’s aspiration. But I was slightly taken aback when told that they saw a better future for stadium development within a city rather than on the outskirts and my subsequent research showed that this indeed is the way things have trended. We covered a lot of ground in that meeting but the eventual outcome was that they didn’t want to take it further because their owner had specific requirements which Rovers could not meet. A full Mem redevelopment must be worth considering but Wael has made his position perfectly clear so , unless he is prepared to change that and be willing to make significant sacrifices, then I doubt it ever will be. The trend in the US has definitely been towards moving stadiums back into City Centre locations as marquee venues that can revitalise them. It's yet to be seen whether this will come to the UK. The US did what we have done in the 1970s and decamped all its sports stadiums to the edge of Cities to accommodate car culture and the growth of suburbia. But these stadiums became extremely unpopular overtime as they were sterile and identikit and everyone got fed-up with spending hours getting in and out of car parks and the started moving them back into the City Centres (ironically just when UK football clubs started moving out!). So there's been a big shift in thinking on that front.
With the the continuing decline of City Centre shopping I think it's reasonable to think that some City's will start looking for ways to attract people back into the Centre (it's interesting that Everton has quite a central location for their new stadium having faced a fan backlash for proposed out of town move). There has been a suggestion that Bolton may try and alleviate their financial issues by selling off their stadium and moving back into town (although that seems a bit fanciful to me). Our City Centre's are smaller than those of other countries so it's questionable whether it will really happen here but I wouldn't bet against it.After all building new stadium development is one way owners can make money. It's why I always thought there was more legs in the Fruit Market idea than others seemed to.
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2021 13:41:34 GMT
A few years ago I had a meeting about Rovers with the Chief Commercial Officer of this company. www.jmisports.com/services/sports-facility-development/Their owner had previously tried to buy Everton and Nottingham Forest, they were heavily involved in College Sport and they had extensive experience in stadium development. So I tried to make a hard sell on the potential of Rovers, the UWE partnership and the possible synergy with JMI’s aspiration. But I was slightly taken aback when told that they saw a better future for stadium development within a city rather than on the outskirts and my subsequent research showed that this indeed is the way things have trended. We covered a lot of ground in that meeting but the eventual outcome was that they didn’t want to take it further because their owner had specific requirements which Rovers could not meet. A full Mem redevelopment must be worth considering but Wael has made his position perfectly clear so , unless he is prepared to change that and be willing to make significant sacrifices, then I doubt it ever will be. The trend in the US has definitely been towards moving stadiums back into City Centre locations as marquee venues that can revitalise them. It's yet to be seen whether this will come to the UK. The US did what we have done in the 1970s and decamped all its sports stadiums to the edge of Cities to accommodate car culture and the growth of suburbia. But these stadiums became extremely unpopular overtime as they were sterile and identikit and everyone got fed-up with spending hours getting in and out of car parks and the started moving them back into the City Centres (ironically just when UK football clubs started moving out!). So there's been a big shift in thinking on that front.
With the the continuing decline of City Centre shopping I think it's reasonable to think that some City's will start looking for ways to attract people back into the Centre (it's interesting that Everton has quite a central location for their new stadium having faced a fan backlash for proposed out of town move). There has been a suggestion that Bolton may try and alleviate their financial issues by selling off their stadium and moving back into town (although that seems a bit fanciful to me). Our City Centre's are smaller than those of other countries so it's questionable whether it will really happen here but I wouldn't bet against it.After all building new stadium development is one way owners can make money. It's why I always thought there was more legs in the Fruit Market idea than others seemed to.
Best explain this to the people who run Bristol and Bath. They are doing everything in their power to make City centres as inaccessible as possible by anything other than public transport. And our public transport is a complete joke. But not to worry, Marvin thinks he's the mad infantryman from War of the Worlds and he's starting a brave new subterranean world. The bloke's off his trolley. When the plans to continue the development that's presently moving along Avon Street beyond the other side of the Feeder Canal were still 'live' all of the businesses there were served with notices from BCC telling them that the area was moving to ultra low emissions. That effectively meant that just about all of the businesses there would have needed to relocate. Bath's new City Centre 'Clean Air Zone' charges taxis a fee to enter. Good luck getting a new stadium built in a central location anywhere around here and getting a big crowd in and out efficiently. |
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