New Stadium or Redevelopment ?

[Colin Appleton]

Look you all know I'm a big Paul Casson fan but as this forum is all about debate let me throw this one into the pot.

If you were him wouldn't the best long term option be to build a brand new stadium from scratch somewhere in Barrow rather than invest millions into redeveloping Holker Street.

Ok I realise there's the sentimental value of continuing playing at the home of football but just imagine the benefits of starting from scratch at a new build. Plenty of clubs have moved over the years and after the initial reluctance by some fans most seem to like their new environment.

I admire PC for going down the redevelopment route but long term I sometimes think maybe the better option would be to sell HS and continue the dream elsewhere.

[Jo am back]

Don't agree.Holker St has character and after redevelopment will still have character,many new build grounds don't.

[Kieran]

Don't agree.Holker St has character and after redevelopment will still have character,many new build grounds don't.

Agreed.

Also, who says that most supporters of clubs with new grounds like their new surroundings? I've spoken to a lot of those supporters from various clubs and every one of them has said they liked it much more at their old grounds and things haven't been the same since moving. E.g. I was talking to a Chesterfield fan a few months ago who was a home and away regular when they were at Saltergate, but since they moved he's gradually fallen out of love with the club to the point where he very rarely goes at all now. I'm not saying that it doesn't sometimes help bring success, but what you lose by doing it isn't worth it in my opinion.

[Uncle Peter]

Looking at the initial feedback from architects, we have the space to do what we want. No need to move.

Paul is very keen that we remain at our spiritual home, and we try and retain the character of the ground.

Fingers crossed over the coming weeks and months we will be able to share the plans and designs, and there will be consultation with supporters before anything final is agreed.

[blue nige]

"uncle peter" my only concern with the development is if and when we get back in the league,will we have space for adequate car parking,because at the moment it`s just about o.k.(asda might not agree!)
cheers

[mikeyb]

Any chance of getting the speedway track back?

[SlurpyTigga]

I think the way to go is to turn the pitch 90 degrees, buy back the training ground and the Soccer Bar then redevelop the ground from there. That way there'd be plenty of room for car parking, corporate facilities, etc.

The other alternative is to build a brand new ground on Ormsgill playing fields and redevelop the Youth Fields for the junior matches to be played there again.

[Steelworks End]

If we look at Telford, they completely rebuilt their ground on the existing site. The best of both worlds, perhaps; a modern stadium yet retaining the history of the club's home intact. If, as Peter says, the architects can do what we want within the existing ground footprint, then personally I would prefer that the club remains at Holker Street.

I accept that, with increasing attendances, parking may well become an issue, and an out-of-town stadium with a large car park may sound attractive; having to pay £2 or £3 to park there somehow reduces the appeal. And if you haven't got a car, getting there can be a problem.

[Richard Ingham]

There are ways and means to get around the parking problem as well as co-operating with existing surrounding businesses.

Laying on buses from various places, park and ride schemes, agreements with a local school (St James?) to use their playground etc etc.

[Uncle Peter]

Yeah, park and ride is one thing to look at. Lots of different ideas flying around.

[SlurpyTigga]

If we look at Telford, they completely rebuilt their ground on the existing site. The best of both worlds, perhaps; a modern stadium yet retaining the history of the club's home intact. If, as Peter says, the architects can do what we want within the existing ground footprint, then personally I would prefer that the club remains at Holker Street.

I accept that, with increasing attendances, parking may well become an issue, and an out-of-town stadium with a large car park may sound attractive; having to pay £2 or £3 to park there somehow reduces the appeal. And if you haven't got a car, getting there can be a problem.

If you haven't got a car, car parking wouldn't be a problem.

[Leo]

Can somebody explain to me what 'character' is beyond a stupid buzzword that people use for things that look naff

[Bingo]

we shouldn't get too obsessed with Parking there are plenty of options available = there are many clubs where parking isn't great but they do ok - Luton Town for example

[Cubbins Paratrooper]

Parking? What's up with Cemetery Hill if people need to drive to the ground? Loads of room on both sides of the lower section, especially if people go nose or arse in.

[russell_anderson]

I think the way to go is to turn the pitch 90 degrees, buy back the training ground and the Soccer Bar then redevelop the ground from there. That way there'd be plenty of room for car parking, corporate facilities, etc.

The other alternative is to build a brand new ground on Ormsgill playing fields and redevelop the Youth Fields for the junior matches to be played there again.

Where would the team play when the pitch was being turned around because you wouldn't get something like that done in a couple of months?