Development: Colston Hall foyer
Value: £20m
Developer: Bristol City Council
Architects: Levitt Bernstein
Completion: 2009

Providing much needed circulation space and new bars, the foyer also provides room for small scale musical events. Intended to be followed by further projects to enhance the auditorium and backstage areas.

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j477/geoffbradford/colston_hall_new_foyer.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j477/geoffbradford/1-colhalll-picsbyfarrowscreative-2.jpg


Development: M Shed
Value: £27m
Developer: Bristol City Council
Architects: LAB architects
Completion: 2011

A replacement for Bristol's Industrial Museum, M Shed tells the story of Bristol and its people. Expected to draw 250,000 visitors per annum, it drew over 700,000 visitors in its first year.

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j477/geoffbradford/ImageHandler.jpg


Development: County Ground
Value: £10m
Developer: GCCC
Architects: Arturus
Completion: 2014

The cricket club need to upgrade the ground to retain international fixtures. The construction of 147 flats by Linden Homes will fund permanent seating for 7,500 spectators, expandable to 17,000 with temporary stands. Planning permission gained in 2012.

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Development: Ashton Vale Stadium
Value: £92m ?
Developer: BCFC
Architects: HOK

A 30,000 capacity stadium with the ability to be expanded to 42,000. Planning permission gained in 2009, but project stalled by an ongoing wrangle over the status of the Ashton Vale site. At present it appears that a second public enquiry will need to be held, over an application for the site to be a Town Green.

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Development: UWE Stadium
Value: £40m
Developer: BRFC
Architects: Arturus

A 21,700 capacity stadium expandable to 26,000 without major structural alteration. It will rely on BCC giving planning permission for Sainsbury's to build a supermarket on the site of Bristol Rovers' present ground, the Memorial Stadium, as this sale will provide the funding for the new stadium. South Glos. council are due to decide on the UWE Stadium application on 19th July 2012. Approval for both schemes should allow the stadium to be finished in 2014.

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One city that so needs an indoor arena. I wish this region would get its act together when it comes to actually building better sporting venues, 'cause the South West is losing out massively to other regions.

One city that so needs an indoor arena. I wish this region would get its act together when it comes to actually building better sporting venues, 'cause the South West is losing out massively to other regions.

I couldn't agree with you more. Bristol and the West Country have so many attributes, high average earners, strong private sector including financial and legal services but completely falls down when it comes to regional sporting facilities. Having said that, there are now a number of projects listed above by Geoff, which if completed, will greatly boost the South West's offering.

I found this time lapse on the BBC website showing the redevelopment of the Bristol Old Vic (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-18256578), which is due to open in September. Total value is £19 million and this is the first stage.

Judicial review into decision on Ashton Vale stadium, Bristol, is unexpectedly withdrawn

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Judicial-review-decision-Ashton-Vale-stadium/story-15281661-detail/story.html

:)

Sorry to disappoint you - that's an old story. After it was withdrawn, a judge gave permission for someone else to take it over.

What's now happened is that the Council have stopped fighting this - meaning that that whole process has stopped. Instead, they've agreed to a brand new public inquiry which will include the 'new' evidence that BCFC didn't supply in the original inquiry and which was what the council used to try and justify their decision to split the site so that only the southern portion was going to be designated a town green - which was against what the independent inquiry inspector said.

Woops sorry folks. Should have checked the date there.

Not a development but pretty significant, nice to see the festival return:



Bristol street to be graffitied for London 2012 event

Dozens of street artists will again be painting Bristol's city centre as part of a London 2012 Festival event.


http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/61305000/jpg/_61305800_seenoevil,nickwalker,elmacandtatscru-benmerrington.jpg

See No Evil has invited "30 of the world's most prolific street artists" to paint Nelson Street in August. Last year projectors were brought in to help artists create graffiti on buildings up to 10 storeys high.

Ruth Mackenzie, from London 2012 Festival, said it was a "great example" of how the festival was "bringing world class arts to people - for free".

The project was launched last year as a collaboration between Bristol street artist Inkie and music promoters Team Love. This year the artists are being curated by Inkie and the event has the support of the Arts Council, London 2012 Festival and the city council.

Organiser Mike Bennett said the unique event was "designed to showcase the talent in the world of urban art and music".

"The pieces created over the week will create a legacy from the project and a destination for urban art fans from all over the world," he said.

"There are going to be some massive names from the world of graffiti involved this year, we're really excited to welcome them."

The week long festival will also include a series of music events and culminate in a free New York style block party on Nelson Street over the weekend.

A unique installation, created by 3D Projection experts, will open the weekend's music in the Passenger Shed in Temple Meads.

See No Evil, which runs from 13 to 19 August, is part of the London 2012 Festival - a summer-long arts festival throughout the country to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-18677458

Great news for BRFC from BBC website today.

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/6013/brfc.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/225/brfc.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Bristol Rovers new stadium plans are recommended to be approved.

Proposals for a 21,700-seater Bristol Rovers football stadium have been recommended for approval.

Plans for the scheme on land next to the University of the West of England will be considered by South Gloucestershire Council on 19 July.

The development at Stoke Gifford has been recommended for approval subject to certain conditions.

If it goes ahead the scheme would also include a club shop, bar, offices and a 1,000 space car park.

Conditions attached to the plans include a restriction on the number of open air music concerts allowed at the stadium to three a year.

Developers have pledged to spend £140,000 on new traffic measures and resident parking zones.

Other conditions include the installation of CCTV in the area and a proviso that hedgehogs on the site should be safeguarded

Doesn't surprise me. Never thought BRFC would have an issue with that part, but it's the redevelopment of the old ground that is also key. Any news on that?

South Glos planners vote 11-1 in favour of the proposed UWE stadium. Now Bristol Rovers will be hoping that Bristol City Council give approval for Sainsbury's to redevelop the Memorial Stadium at a meeting due sometime in September.

Great news for BRFC from BBC website today.

WOOOOOOOO :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

Extra render:

http://s9.postimage.org/q27tdyvun/s8_photos3.jpg (http://postimage.org/)

At least the expansion idea is decent, and it would certainly make the stadium more 'unique':

http://s7.postimage.org/a8thpw53v/capturexcn.jpg (http://postimage.org/)

http://s7.postimage.org/f8vjbl04b/capture1ikx.jpg (http://postimage.org/)

Thanks for the info & new render. So 4k extra for an extra tier on three sides... wow...that is tiny. Something like an extra 6 rows judging by the diagram.
Although Rovers have fallen on hard times of late, and their attendances reflect that, the potential is certainly there. I'm just surprised they didn't integrate a slightly bigger expansion option such as at mk dons.

The rumour that I heard is any further expansion would involve adding another tier to the main stand, which would take the capacity to around 35,000. I'll be amazed if Rovers need to expand beyond 26,000, though.

Thanks for the info & new render. So 4k extra for an extra tier on three sides... wow...that is tiny. Something like an extra 6 rows judging by the diagram.
Although Rovers have fallen on hard times of late, and their attendances reflect that, the potential is certainly there. I'm just surprised they didn't integrate a slightly bigger expansion option such as at mk dons.

At the risk of being pedantic, I think it's five rows at the ends and eleven rows along the side. The extra 4,300 can be added without structural alteration, whereas as RMB2007 alludes to, the design allows the capacity to be increased to 35,000. That would require the removal and replacement of the roof. Unlikely to be a pressing problem though, unfortunately.

That sounds plausible, geoff. Would presumably be added to all stands BUT the main stand I'd imagine.
Talking of which, a future expansion involving a new tier holding 9k seems far fetched to me. Would be completely lopsided. 4-5k seems more likely.

That sounds plausible, geoff. Would presumably be added to all stands BUT the main stand I'd imagine.
Talking of which, a future expansion involving a new tier holding 9k seems far fetched to me. Would be completely lopsided. 4-5k seems more likely.

Yes, you're right, there wouldn't be extra seats on the side with the hospitality boxes.

I assume, although I don't know, that an expansion taking it to 35,000 would involve a new tier all the way round the stadium. I've heard nothing to suggest it would only be above the main stand.

Looking through the docs, it's striking how it is a cheapy version of Ashton Vale. I know these generic identikit ar basically all the same anyway, but these two have alot more in common than most it seems.
The 'dug in' bowl of 22k, incorporating disabled spaces at the back, and end stand roofs are almost identical. The corners as well, with video screens(one for rovers, two for city).
The extra ££ in the vale design has been spent in the signature goal post design main stand roof trusses, and conference hall.

Looking through the docs, it's striking how it is a cheapy version of Ashton Vale. I know these generic identikit ar basically all the same anyway, but these two have alot more in common than most it seems.
The 'dug in' bowl of 22k, incorporating disabled spaces at the back, and end stand roofs are almost identical. The corners as well, with video screens(one for rovers, two for city).
The extra ££ in the vale design has been spent in the signature goal post design main stand roof trusses, and conference hall.

The basic design does have rather more in common than I suspect both sets of supporters would like to admit. Burying the bowl apparently saves money by removing the need to prop the seating up with lots of expensive steelwork.

Actually the UWE stadium also has two video screens, they are in the corners either end of the side facing the hospitality boxes.

Here's what you'll see, as both lower tiers will be built in the same way that Stadium MK was:

http://s16.postimage.org/6ordutow5/mkstadium001.jpg (http://postimage.org/)

http://s18.postimage.org/3vn71nvrt/mkstadium017.jpg (http://postimage.org/)

One city that so needs an indoor arena. I wish this region would get its act together when it comes to actually building better sporting venues, 'cause the South West is losing out massively to other regions.

Not just sport musically as well, theres no indoor venue in the south west big enough for the likes of Coldplay.

Filton airport would make an ideal spot for a sports and leisure zone. A new cricket ground, indoor arena, conference space and maybe even a stadium all within easy reach of the M5 and a train station not to mention all that surrounds it is mainly retail and engineering.

They missed the trick there once again

Not just sport musically as well, theres no indoor venue in the south west big enough for the likes of Coldplay.

Filton airport would make an ideal spot for a sports and leisure zone. A new cricket ground, indoor arena, conference space and maybe even a stadium all within easy reach of the M5 and a train station not to mention all that surrounds it is mainly retail and engineering.

They missed the trick there once again

None of those things help SGC reach their housing quotas.

The decision on Sainsbury's new store on the Memorial Stadium site is due to be taken on the 7th November. A positive outcome is required if Rovers are to be able to fund the new UWE stadium.

Hmm - that's a bit of a shame really as it's 1 week BEFORE the mayoral election (15th Nov).

As there are some candidates very pro-stadium/supermarket it could make the planning decision a political hot potato with the planning committee possibly deciding on the application based on what is best for their candidate.

Hmm - that's a bit of a shame really as it's 1 week BEFORE the mayoral election (15th Nov).

As there are some candidates very pro-stadium/supermarket it could make the planning decision a political hot potato with the planning committee possibly deciding on the application based on what is best for their candidate.

They must have heard you! Sainsbury's application to redevelop the Memorial Stadium is now scheduled for November 28th.

They must have heard you! Sainsbury's application to redevelop the Memorial Stadium is now scheduled for November 28th.

More delays. Bristol City Council has decided to delay the planning meeting to decide whether Sainsbury's can build on the club's current site until next year.

http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/south-west/80657-delays-expected-rovers-move?utm_source=southwest_newsletter&utm_medium=property_article&utm_campaign=southwest_news_tracker

FFS! What's the betting that even if it was granted you'd get some locals puttin' up some sort of legal challenge to it?

BBC's Robin Markwell (@robinmarkwell) tweets; Bristol city council confirms no fresh Ashton Vale public inquiry until at least 7th Oct 2013. Mayor Ferguson calls for it to be sooner.

See story here;
http://www.bristol247.com/2012/11/28/ashton-vale-town-green-inquiry-delayed-for-a-year-25016/

It really is a complete and utter farce. :gaah:

I'm not sure which way the land lies with this.
I believe it is actually the land owners (ie lansdown) who are intending to delay things now, which points to a possible attempt at utilizing freshly re written tvg laws, which prevent land with PP or intended for development being high jacked by tvg applications.

It would certainly apply some pressure to the SAVE group, going to a full new enquiry, since that's what they don't want, financially and legally.

Apparently George Ferguson has requested it I'd brought forward to the new year. His motives are unclear here. On the face of it it looks like a pro stadium/bcfc move, but bearing in mind what I mentioned above, it could be pro nimbys/save, since we know Ferguson was against the stadium because he was against the 'enabling' supermarket at AG which would encroach on his lucrative tobacco factory up the road.

^^ If the quote below from a planning law expert is true, then that would rule out the idea the club was wanting to delay things:

However, she pointed out that those sites where TVG applications had been lodged before the change came into force would still be subject to the previous regime.

http://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2012/october/change-to-village-green-laws-will-prevent-abusive-registrations-expert-says/

I thought the main reason George Ferguson was against the supermarket was down to the fact that Ferguson Mann were trying to convince the club to go with their alternative for the site, which was housing, and one that would've given Ferguson Mann a great deal of business if the club had opted for it.

Well I hope that's not the case. There's been so much speculation as to whether it will be applied retrospectively or not, but no one seems to know for sure. If that quote from that article is to he relied upon, then yes, not much reason to delay other than to maybe wear the opposition down.

Yes, you are correct about Ferguson Mann. They were dead keen on replacing AG site with a urban eco village or something like that, but it wasn't worth enough to the club.
The new stadium will be equipped with bars/catering, which would obviously take a lot of trade away from the tobacco factory, which is rammed on match days, and a sainsbury would (supposedly)take shoppers away from north street and in turn from his establishment(s). So really GF really doesn't have many reasons at all to support the stadium...well apart from the fact he claims to be a city fan, and is supposed to speak for the people of this city, which includes 30k odd city fans.

Interesting to see how things work out for Ferguson, especially given his various businesses in the city, and how future planning issues could see him come under fire for having a potential conflict of interest.

As for the stadium legal battle, do we know what would happen if the judge ruled in favour of the council/club? I mean, surely that would put an end to the selfish village green folks efforts, wouldn't it?

I thought the main reason George Ferguson was against the supermarket was down to the fact that Ferguson Mann were trying to convince the club to go with their alternative for the site, which was housing, and one that would've given Ferguson Mann a great deal of business if the club had opted for it.

The club could have sold the ground to any house builder who could have chosen any architects. There was absolutely no guarantee of any work finishing up with Ferguson Mann. His opposition was based on a mixed use development being far better for the area in planning terms. It would have made the land worth about £12m rather than the £20m a supermarket would pay. Steve Lansdown is capable of funding that difference but chose not to.

Well I hope that's not the case. There's been so much speculation as to whether it will be applied retrospectively or not, but no one seems to know for sure. If that quote from that article is to he relied upon, then yes, not much reason to delay other than to maybe wear the opposition down.

Yes, you are correct about Ferguson Mann. They were dead keen on replacing AG site with a urban eco village or something like that, but it wasn't worth enough to the club.
The new stadium will be equipped with bars/catering, which would obviously take a lot of trade away from the tobacco factory, which is rammed on match days, and a sainsbury would (supposedly)take shoppers away from north street and in turn from his establishment(s). So really GF really doesn't have many reasons at all to support the stadium...well apart from the fact he claims to be a city fan, and is supposed to speak for the people of this city, which includes 30k odd city fans.
It would be very unusual for legislation to apply retrospectively.

One day every two weeks during the football season, is unlikely to be make or break for the bar/theatre/restaurant set up that the Tobacco Factory is.

Ferguson's opposition is based on the negative effect that the largest Sainsbury's in the south west would have on local businesses. I seriously doubt that self interest is his main motivation, as the extra footfall would probably increase the trade of the Tobacco Factory.

Here's hoping that common sense prevails in 2013. :)

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The planning meeting for the Sainsbury's development that Rovers are relying on to finance the new UWE stadium, is now confirmed as January 16th.

Still no firm date for the new Ashton Vale inquiry as far as I am aware, but October does seem an awfully long wait.

I believe its sean O'bristol at bristol city on one year rolling contract.

I did read somewhere that Bristol Mayor wants the Bristol Arena up and running for the first performance/act by 2015/16. Wouldn't that mean that the planning, design, infrastructure, Arena management, websites, acts/schedules etc etc would need to be in place by the end of this year ready for construction end of 2013 or early 2014?

Don't see enough progress on this for this to be realistic, unless theres lots of things happening in the background?

Live stream to the Rovers/Sainsbury's development:

http://www.bristol.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/94793

I did read somewhere that Bristol Mayor wants the Bristol Arena up and running for the first performance/act by 2015/16. Wouldn't that mean that the planning, design, infrastructure, Arena management, websites, acts/schedules etc etc would need to be in place by the end of this year ready for construction end of 2013 or early 2014?

Don't see enough progress on this for this to be realistic, unless theres lots of things happening in the background?

He spoke on a phone in on Radio Bristol this morning and is committed to an arena within four years, which gives him until 2017 I suppose. He also mentioned the possibility of trying to provide a new ice rink, either separately, or as part of the arena. The ice rink would need to be privately funded though.

Was bored senseless by some of the doom-mongers speaking earlier on, however, Cllr Steve Comer just gave a really good speech about Bristol looking at the bigger picture, rather than being stuck with a village mentality. :cheers:

Application approved. :banana: Now to see if Eric Pickles objects. Great news for Rovers tonight, though.

Application approved. :banana: Now to see if Eric Pickles objects. Great news for Rovers tonight, though.

Indeed it is. Twenty one days for Mr Pickes to hopefully do nothing but nod it through. Then three months window for judicial review application (which seems unlikely) then off UWE can go.

A start on a new stadium towards the end of May perhaps?

Edit: Nick Higgs expecting a June/July start.

Construction works are proceeding on both the Pavilion and residential apartments.

The steel frame for the Pavilion is scheduled to be erected throughout January and work will continue on the external envelope and glazing with a target finish date for completion at the end of July 2013.

At the Ashley Down Road end of the ground the excavation of the basement car park is proceeding and the two tower cranes are now in situ. Residential structural works are scheduled from mid-January to the end of July with other trades on site from mid-April.

http://www.gloscricket.co.uk/information/ground-development-news/3039-Ground-Redevelopment-Update

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Talks move Bristol arena another step closer

Bristol's long-awaited arena is a step closer to becoming a reality, according to the city’s mayor.

George Ferguson says he is involved in a second round of talks with potential partners for the scheme and hopes to have the designs and arena operators finalised by the end of the year.

If all goes to plan the £20 million arena would be built on vacant land close to Temple Meads station and would be open for business within four years’ time.

Mr Ferguson launched a design competition for the 12,000 seater venue last week – but said he still has an open mind when it comes to the shape of the venue.

He said: “We are now in the second round of talks with the operators and we have also looked at similar venues in other parts of the country.

“There is a debate about wether the venue should be a horseshoe shape or and a fan shape and we need to reach a decision on that with the operator.

“There are only four or five operators with the capability and experience to run an arena and we have been speaking to all of them.

“I do like the idea of an auditorium which is fan-shaped but it depends what kind of events we are planning to hold at the arena. If we are going to be holding sporting events as well as concerts and bands then it would make sense to go for the horseshoe design. “We need to think long-term; things could change in 10 years’ time and the arena might be used in a different way. We need to be prepared for that and think creatively.

“Bristol is left off the concert map because we are the only city without a proper arena and we cannot allow that to continue.” The arena is part of an ambitious master plan, which will see much of the city centre around the Redcliffe and Temple Meads area transformed.

“As well as making a statement about the city and its ambitions it will also help kickstart regeneration in the area around the station,” said Mr Ferguson.

“There are plans to improve the station and the area around, together with a new arena we will be creating a world-class gateway to Bristol.”

Land has already been set aside for the scheme behind Temple Meads station on the site of the former diesel depot. The now axed South West Regional Development Agency pumped £20 million into the project more than a decade ago only to decide it was not economically viable. The Local Enterprise Partnership, which is heading up the scheme, and the mayor have been working together on the project.

Mr Ferguson said: “The scheme will cost around £80 million and at the moment we have a shortfall of around £20 million, but there are ways we can make up that shortfall.

“We have three options which are setting up a hands-off company, or we could hand over the arena to a private operator or set up a joint venture. The way we are heading at the moment is down the route of a joint venture, we would want to keep some control in the running of the arena.”

One aim is to make the new arena the most environmentally-friendly venue of its kind ever built.

http://www.southwestbusiness.co.uk/news/01022013064349-talks-move-bristol-arena-another-step-closer/

Great news (although I'll only really believe it once it's been completely finished, doors wide open, and people flocking in to see the first performance on opening day).

City announce back up plans to their Ashton Vale stadium project.

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Bristol-City-FC-reveal-plans-rebuild-Ashton-Gate/story-18057895-detail/story.html

http://imageshack.us/a/img825/6677/96894172.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img5/1867/51775196.jpg

Not a fan of this. Too hemmed in. Ashton Vale is still the way to go.

Not a fan of this. Too hemmed in. Ashton Vale is still the way to go.

In terms of expandability and revenue earning I think we would all agree, but if they lose the Town Green inquiry then this is their only realistic option.

There's no other sites in Bristol that could accommodate the Aston Vale stadium design?

There's no other sites in Bristol that could accommodate the Aston Vale stadium design?

Around 10 years ago Rovers, City, and the council commissioned a study to look for a site, for a possible joint stadium within the city boundary. It concluded that there were no sites available on a realistic or affordable timescale.

Not sure who owns it, but there's plenty of land next to the the Ashton Vale site, but I guess that land is part of North Somerset:

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/3377/65048891.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/189/65048891.jpg/)

The problem is that if they just bought the site next door and tried to build it there - someone will try and register that as a town green as well.

If they do rebuild Ashton Gate, I'd like them to come up with some sort of design where they can then easily expand it further (2nd tier) if they get the crowds to justify it (i.e. get into the Premiership and stay up there).

The only other possible site in South Bristol is Hengrove Park which they looked at way back in the 90s. But, again, the locals complained and it would have far worse potential transport issues out there - at least Ashton Vale/Gate does have the potential train line.

The problem is that if they just bought the site next door and tried to build it there - someone will try and register that as a town green as well.


Didn't they introduce some sort of legislation that would stop that from happening? or am I thinking of something else? Someone remind me.

Didn't they introduce some sort of legislation that would stop that from happening? or am I thinking of something else? Someone remind me.

Yeah, the Growth and Infrastructure Bill:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/rural/protected/greens/

http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2012/10/18/ending-abuse-of-village-greens-legislation/

Bloody shame it wasn't introduced earlier, 'cause the new stadium would more than likely be built by now.

Not sure who owns it, but there's plenty of land next to the the Ashton Vale site, but I guess that land is part of North Somerset:

That land is indeed in North Somerset and is in the green belt. An applicant has to show an exceptional case to build on it. Now that City are proposing a workable scheme on their present site, that rather blows a hole in any future attempts to construct a new stadium in the green belt.

I still don't understand why they couldn't have put it where they are talking about putting the arena now?

I still don't understand why they couldn't have put it where they are talking about putting the arena now?

Smaller than the Ashton Vale site I think and if the arena is as likely to work as the mayor believes, then we would be abandoning an arena to favour one of the two football clubs. As City have a viable back up plan, that would probably be politically impossible.

I still don't understand why they couldn't have put it where they are talking about putting the arena now?

It simply won't fit. Ashton Gate wouldn't fit there let alone AV which is huge.

Bristol Rovers' move to a new stadium took a massive step forward today as the government said it would not block the redevelopment of the club's current home.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has decided not to delay the application by Sainsbury's to build a new supermarket on the site of the Memorial Stadium for further scrutiny.

A message from Rovers chairman Nick Higgs published on the club's website this evening said: "I am pleased to confirm that Bristol City Council have been informed by the Secretary of State that he has approved the decision to grant planning permission to J Sainsbury’s for a mixed use development on our existing site.

"This is great news as we move one step closer to making a reality of our dream for a new stadium at the UWE Campus."

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/BREAKING-NEWS-New-Bristol-Rovers-stadium-step/story-18392747-detail/story.html

Message from the Chairman

I am pleased to confirm that Bristol City Council have been informed by the Secretary of State that he has approved the decision to grant planning permission to J Sainsbury’s for a mixed use development on our existing site.

This is great news as we move one step closer to making a reality of our dream for a new stadium at the UWE Campus.

There are a couple more bridges to cross; the section 106 which we hope Sainsbury's will sign in the next few weeks and the 3 month Judicial Review period. But we are currently on course to start work in the summer.

http://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/article/sos-approves-sainsburys-710005.aspx

Abandon new stadium dream, Mayor tells newly-relegated Bristol City

Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson has told newly-relegated Bristol City to ditch plans to build a new stadium and redevelop their Ashton Gate ground instead.

Mr Ferguson’s comments follow the club’s demotion to the third tier of English football from the Championship with three games remaining. Having spent a reported £41m in a failed bid to reach the Premier League, Mr Ferguson has said the club needs to take stock and build a “solid base and home to be proud of”.

The club has a long-standing ambition to develop a 30,000-seater stadium, pictured, on a greenfield site at Ashton Vale, around half a mile from the 21,500 capacity Ashton Gate, its home since 1900. However, there has been a strong campaign to oppose the new stadium, with protestors urging the club to stay at a redeveloped Ashton Gate.

The club has confirmed they were still looking to either move to a new stadium at Ashton Vale or redevelop their home at Ashton Gate.

A consultation exercise has been launched with a formal planning application due to be submitted in June or July. Meanwhile, a new public inquiry into the controversial town green application on the site of the proposed new stadium has been set for October.

However, Mr Ferguson once again made it clear he would back the Ashton Gate redevelopment.

“It is of course deeply disappointing that City should be relegated, but it makes a revival plan all the more vital,” he said.

“I am sure that the club, players and fans will pick themselves up and fight their way back into the Championship and eventually into the Premiership.

“They have my strong backing to see through the ambitious plan for the rejuvenation of Ashton Gate which should give them a solid base and a home to be proud of. The club remains as important as ever to Bristol and it will continue to have my enthusiastic support.”

City managing director Jon Lansdown said the club are ready to sell players, as they prepare for life in League One.

He insisted they will remain competitive in the third tier, even with budget cuts: “We’ll be one of the bigger clubs in League One, with one of the bigger budgets, and we’ll be set up to perform as best we can,” he said.

http://www.bristol-business.net/abandon-new-stadium-dream-mayor-tells-newly-relegated-bristol-city/

Rovers new stadium update:

Message from the Chairman

I am very pleased to announce that as of last night, the Judicial Review period on the new stadium site has expired.

This means that the development on that land can go ahead without any legal challenges.

Things are also progressing with the Section 106 on the Sainsbury's development at the current Memorial Stadium site, and we hope that will be signed in the very near future.

http://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/article/jr-expired-780585.aspx

http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/275775/Article/images/18768921/4778112.jpg


AN ambitious bid for £80 million of funding to help pay for two major venues in Bristol has been lodged with the Government.

A partnership of Bristol City Council and the Local Enterprise Partnership has put in the £80 million bid to help pay for Bristol's long- awaited indoor arena and the second phase of improvements at Colston Hall.

The city is bidding for a slice of the government's Regional Growth Fund and a decision is expected to come out of Westminster within the next two to three months.

Around £50 million of the bid will be used to pay towards the £80 million 12,000-seat indoor arena next to Temple Meads station. The rest of the cash has been earmarked for the second phase of the redevelopment of Colston Hall.

(...)
Colin Skellett, the chairman of the West of England Development Agency, said: "We do have money in place for the arena as part of the City Deal which was agreed with the Government last year.

"If we were successful with this bid it would mean that the money we have earmarked for the arena under the City Deal could be spent on other infrastructure schemes in the city."
(...)
(Full article) (http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bid-pound-80-million-Bristol-arena/story-18768921-detail/story.html)

That's a shockingly bad artist's impression!

Hey, it's not like it was created by anyone actually involved in building the thing!

Nice to see the arena project is still being pursued. Good luck to them.

http://www.gloscricket.co.uk/information/ground-development-news/3130-Ground-Redevelopment-Announcement