We are hoping that the enabling project will fund the phase 1 costs, but there are still a number of variables, including exactly how much land and property values will fluctuate over the next couple of years.
We are working on contingency plans for any shortfall, but we won’t know if this will be necessary until planning permission has been granted. Regardless, we expect phase 1 to commence on current timescales, and complete in 2026.
The Club is actively exploring potential sources of funding for the future phases. In reality, this will be a 5 – 10 year project and we’re confident that the Phase 1 works will allow us to drive our vision forward. We hope that by opening up the high street end so that it becomes an integral part of the town, there will be the possibility of attracting funding through government initiatives targeted at town centre regeneration.
The current stadium layout and condition does not meet the minimum safe standards for a modern stadium. The stadium layout requires substantial change to be Green Guide compliant and provide the modern spectator facilities and matchday experience expected for a league club.
The current layout offers limited opportunities for the stadium to connect with High Street and the wider town whereas the new proposed stadium layout improves the physical connection with the High Street and the town.
The overall capacity for the stadium remains consistent with current levels.
Under the current proposals, the new stands will have the following capacity:
North: 2200 fans (all seated)
South: 1200 fans (including 150 seated and 12 accessible viewing positions)
East: 1200 fans (including 12 accessible viewing positions)
West: 1800 fans (including 18 accessible viewing positions)
We’re still at the early design stage, so it’s possible. But it is expensive and if we don’t have the attendance it is a waste of resources. We want to make sure we get the capacity right and have a genuinely high quality match day experience.
The proposed stadium layout provides around 50 car parking spaces on match and non-match days. On a match day these spaces will be offered on a priority basis, based on the needs of the individual. The Club is in early discussions with surrounding car park operators and landowners to establish locations for other match day spectator parking. All player parking will be on an offsite location.
There just isn’t space at the current stadium configuration or proposed layout to provide hundreds of parking spaces. To achieve these sorts of numbers would require the stadium to be located at an out-of-town location. The club will work with its transport consultants at the next stage to develop a green travel plan for the stadium utilising the local bus and rail network.
The fan experience is hugely important to us, but the reality is that we need to make sure our stadium is fit for purpose before we can start delivering additional hospitality options.
No. We want to make supporter safety and comfort an integral feature of our stadium. Better access and exit and fire routes means that we don’t have to spend as much money on stewarding in order to keep you safe.
Access from Ordnance Road to the stadium is via a private road. The club cannot rely on this as the permanent access to the stadium. As part of the wider masterplan for the area. permanent stadium access from Redan Hill will no longer be available.
The overall capacity of the stadium is not compromised by the introduction of a circulation route to the rear of the stand for away supporters.
One of the things you told us you wanted was an enhanced space for home fans. The new proposals allow us to develop a Fanzone for home supporters. This will be located behind the West Stand. There was limited opportunity for this to have happened at the Eastbank.
Home and away fans will access the stadium via separate entrances and routes from High Street. As part of the next stage the Club will engage with the local Safety Advisory Group regarding the design and layout of the proposals.
The away stand will have an overall capacity of 600, with approximately 75 seats and 6 accessible viewing areas.
There will be a permanent food and drink concession facility.
It’s possible and it’s something we should explore as the work develops.
