New Stadium Progress

[ladbroke]

or "The Barratts Home Park".....................

Makes more reference to Plymouth.

 

[wanderer paul]

Makes more reference to Plymouth.

its a joke

I'd love to keep Griffin Park, but naming rights will take away what the 'fans' want to call the new stadium.

 

[PrincessBee]

It might be completely different. I understand companies are to pitch for the design contract very soon.

ooooh! that's my job that is! we'll have to find out who and then i'll send them my CV...

 

[VTG]

Wonderful news. I work at SEGA on the Great West Road and overlook this site so it's great to hear of further progress.

What timescales are we working towards now for stadium completion I wonder :gettingaheadofmyselfsmilie:

When it starts, if you're still at Sega, any chance of a daily progress picture post?

And this is great news that the option has been taken up (only a matter of time, but there are no formalities in such dealings) and it'll all be great as long as Barratt's don't suddenly turn nasty and decide that they want to use it for something else within the terms of the zoning arrangement (if that's even legally possible).
But yay and stuff, new stadium is on its way. Hopefully will be done by the time I leave for Australia, I want to see the last GP match and get a feel for the new place before I take years off.

 

[VTG]

Any chance that we might get some help from that bottomless money-pit, London 2012? Host the hockey final, if you'll give us a million or so!

Hockey's usually on astro isn't it? Don't forget there is such a thing as olympic football

 

[VTG]

:bound: :bound::bound:
in the words of Mottie " this just gets better and better "
onwards and upwards is very apt just now

Can we have a Brentford 5-1 QPR to go with this please? :bound:

 

[California Bee]

Wonderful News! Well done Brentford FC!

 

[VTG]

Btw, has the club been onto the BBC about this, to see if we can get a mention on Football Focus on Saturday?

And Movin' On Up just came on the radio. sh*te song, but appropriate

 

[Luke Kirton]

what are the chances the fans will get to see the designs before a decision is made?
although the final decision will have to include other considerations, fan input on the new stadiums aesthetics could be a worthwhile exercise.

In my opinion it would be an essential exercise. I would suggest rather than the usual approach to consultaion i.e. here are our plans what do you think of them, we should go for a more engaged process in which fans are asked to input into the design from the design brief stage. A workshop outlining the framework so we have a better understanding on what is and is not possible followed by a session where we can put our ideas forward. I would then follow this up at each stage with those who show most interest being invited to join a design steering group with the professionals and financial stakeholders to see the projet through to its conclusion. Having end user input from the start will avoid many problems later on in the process as it is often those that use the stadium for its primary purpose (football match on a saturday) who are able to understand advantages and disadvantages of various design concepts such as the placing of catering outlets, ticketing systems to name just two.

Of course letting everyone have a say through the 'this is our plans what do you think' process will still need to happen as it is a statatury requirement through the planning process.

 

[homelessbee]

When it starts, if you're still at Sega, any chance of a daily progress picture post?

And this is great news that the option has been taken up (only a matter of time, but there are no formalities in such dealings) and it'll all be great as long as Barratt's don't suddenly turn nasty and decide that they want to use it for something else within the terms of the zoning arrangement (if that's even legally possible).
But yay and stuff, new stadium is on its way. Hopefully will be done by the time I leave for Australia, I want to see the last GP match and get a feel for the new place before I take years off.

Well daily would be a bit strong but a weekly one would be doable I reckon

 

[afrimleybee]

In my opinion it would be an essential exercise. I would suggest rather than the usual approach to consultaion i.e. here are our plans what do you think of them, we should go for a more engaged process in which fans are asked to input into the design from the design brief stage. A workshop outlining the framework so we have a better understanding on what is and is not possible followed by a session where we can put our ideas forward. I would then follow this up at each stage with those who show most interest being invited to join a design steering group with the professionals and financial stakeholders to see the projet through to its conclusion. Having end user input from the start will avoid many problems later on in the process as it is often those that use the stadium for its primary purpose (football match on a saturday) who are able to understand advantages and disadvantages of various design concepts such as the placing of catering outlets, ticketing systems to name just two.

Of course letting everyone have a say through the 'this is our plans what do you think' process will still need to happen as it is a statatury requirement through the planning process.

I was thinking more along the lines of a poll on GPG Luke

 

[Idaho Bee]

some fulham and qpr fans coming down to complain because we will have a better stadium then them

They are on their way down the league and we are on our way up so won't be needing a posh stadium for the Blue Square league!

 

[Idaho Bee]

Any chance that we might get some help from that bottomless money-pit, London 2012? Host the hockey final, if you'll give us a million or so!

The astroturf can be ripped out afterwards

Isn't egg-chasing part of the 2012 olympics? More money in that then hockey.

 

[tomisabee]

i think we should call it

The New Griffin

 

[Mr Cynical]

In my opinion it would be an essential exercise. I would suggest rather than the usual approach to consultaion i.e. here are our plans what do you think of them, we should go for a more engaged process in which fans are asked to input into the design from the design brief stage. A workshop outlining the framework so we have a better understanding on what is and is not possible followed by a session where we can put our ideas forward. I would then follow this up at each stage with those who show most interest being invited to join a design steering group with the professionals and financial stakeholders to see the projet through to its conclusion. Having end user input from the start will avoid many problems later on in the process as it is often those that use the stadium for its primary purpose (football match on a saturday) who are able to understand advantages and disadvantages of various design concepts such as the placing of catering outlets, ticketing systems to name just two.

Of course letting everyone have a say through the 'this is our plans what do you think' process will still need to happen as it is a statatury requirement through the planning process.

Absolutely bang on. If the fans can have an input from the start then we may well manage to avoid the lego stadium disaster that the lilkes of Bournemouth have come up with..

I think the club should definitely look into the possibility of 'safe standing' areas rather than immediately assume all-seater status.

This may be teaching granny to suck eggs, but I assume we had water-tight contracts in place with Barretts before we handed over the purchasing option?

 

[tomisabee]

i think we should call it

The New Griffin

actully i take that back

that sounds crap

 

[VTG]

Having end user input from the start will avoid many problems later on in the process

Goes against the rules of all management-lead decision processes, silly boy, don't you know anything about how business works in the UK? And you an ex-councillor.

But yes, how about questionnaires periodically given out at all home turnstiles to supporters from ASAP until the design tender process begins? That way no one can really moan when it's built* and the most important people (us!) can have direct input.

Suggest questions along the lines of "Which league stadium do you think is most well-designed and why?", "What facilities would you like to see in the stadium?", "What facilities would you like to see in the stadium locality?", sh*te like that really. There could be some really general and some really specific. But please, none of the multiple choice "agree/somewhat/neither/somewhat/disagree" questions coz those are utter b***ocks and often have ambiguously-worded questions that can be nicely written to skew the results.

Wonder how the new residential facility will fit in with matchdays and the increase in traffic, especially with regard to parking facilities. Residential will have to be a gated complex, for obvious reasons, but ample** parking will have to be a fairly high priority. If I had the money I'd probably buy one of the residential units

I still reckon a statue of Harry Curtis wouldn't be an outlandish proposal.

*except blunstonebabe
**whenever I see this word I think of breasts

 

[Banana]

There will be a "BU Sponging Room"

 

[rebus]

In my opinion it would be an essential exercise. I would suggest rather than the usual approach to consultaion i.e. here are our plans what do you think of them, we should go for a more engaged process in which fans are asked to input into the design from the design brief stage. A workshop outlining the framework so we have a better understanding on what is and is not possible followed by a session where we can put our ideas forward. I would then follow this up at each stage with those who show most interest being invited to join a design steering group with the professionals and financial stakeholders to see the projet through to its conclusion. Having end user input from the start will avoid many problems later on in the process as it is often those that use the stadium for its primary purpose (football match on a saturday) who are able to understand advantages and disadvantages of various design concepts such as the placing of catering outlets, ticketing systems to name just two.

Of course letting everyone have a say through the 'this is our plans what do you think' process will still need to happen as it is a statatury requirement through the planning process.

I strongly suggest you contact Brian Burgess on these matters Luke, and pretty soon.

 

[Luke Kirton]

There will be a "BU Sponging Room"

will you also have a towell down room?

 

[jlove]

Another step for which the "team" should be congratulated!

Re: Naming - I don't give a toss what it's called as long as BFC get lots of money for it; although the Qatar Stadium does sound a bit like it needs treatment.

The Barratt Homes development currently alongside the A4 is being referred to by them as "GWQ" - the Great West Quarter, so the Lionel Road development may the the east end of the Great West Quarter and, therefore, the stadium could be the Barratt Homes' East End of the Great West Quarter Stadium. That's catchy!

 

[JBN]

How does the BFC/Barratts deal work?

BFC secured the option and passed their option to Barratts.
Barratts bought the freehold of the site.

1) What future security do BFC get? Are BFC getting the freehold assigned back on completion of the stadium in return for the 'old' GP?

2) Will BFC take a lease of the stadium after selling the 'old' GP to Barratts.

3) Are BFC paying for the new stadium or are Barratts building as part of a section 106 (similar to MK)?

It looks good news as long BFC don't get shortchanged on the deal and end up with a stadium and no security. We don't want to go down the same route as Bournemouth.

 

[VTG]

There will be a "BU Sponging Room"

"Bees United Sponger Stadium" has already been decided on, surely, with a special entrance for Messrs Noades and Butcher that circles around and leads onto the median of the M4.

 

[jharvey85]

I hope the new ground will have some personality... a pub on each corner anyone?

 

[jlove]

How does the BFC/Barratts deal work?

www.beesunited.org.uk/content/view/332/

See Q3

 

[VTG]

Barratt Homes' East End of the Great West Quarter Stadium.

Good if we can charge sponsorship by the letter
In conjunction with this, we should also sign some players with very long names and ship out ones such as Ide and Dark in order to maximise replica shirt lettering revenue.
At least in future when we have Championship/Premiership success we will have the option to purchase the freehold of the land

 

[i love brentford]

altough it is for the good of the club i wouldn't like a new stadium i would rather have the famous GP instead of some bland new stadium...

 

[GP200]

altough it is for the good of the club i wouldn't like a new stadium i would rather have the famous GP instead of some bland new stadium...

.....the new stadium doesn't have to be bland..................

 

[i love brentford]

.....the new stadium doesn't have to be bland..................

They all are... just look at coventry, southampton. middlesbrough, darlington ect... all these new stadiums with about 30,000 seats and they are just sh*te
much prefer grounds like brentfords

 

[super_bees]

Good news

 

[cheekybee74]

They all are... just look at coventry, southampton. middlesbrough, darlington ect... all these new stadiums with about 30,000 seats and they are just sh*te
much prefer grounds like brentfords

No pleasing some people If Luke's suggestion is taken up of getting fans input, then a chance for some of the blandness to be avoided is there. Little touches such as homages to the four pubs could be included, etc..... Not all new Stadiums are bland - Emirates for example. Admit different budget constraints but not all new builds are bland as you seem to suggest.

 

[VTG]

.....the new stadium doesn't have to be bland..................

A pitch made of rosemary, thyme, parsley, marjoram and chives should go some way to avoiding this

 

[HunsburyBee]

With a bit of luck, the opening of our new stadium will coincide with our promotion to the Championship and Fulham's relegation to Division 2.

 

[BuzzBeeSi]

altough it is for the good of the club i wouldn't like a new stadium i would rather have the famous GP instead of some bland new stadium...

In an ideal world I'd agree with you, but GP can never host a competitive football club.

 

[wanderer paul]

To build a non-standard stadium, not 'off the shelf', will incur higher costs. anything over designed will take longer to build and add more to the cost.
i can see this arguement for fans input delaying the process, and not adding to it.

We'd all like a different type of stadium to the rest that have been built, but i can see disappointment in that BFC may have to go for something similar to Doncaster (oval shaped) or Orient (4 similar stands). I hope not though.

If one was built as the CAD designed stadium in the pics already shown i'd be happy. Also agree with some standing arrangement at either end, it'll add to the atmosphere.

 

[nick-knock]

I hope its called Lionel Road as opposed to some crap name like MK Dons one or Shrewsbury

could keep griffin park as the namr though Lionel road sounds pretty good. no advertising name though makes the ground seeem commercialised and tacky

 

[PrincessBee]

In my opinion it would be an essential exercise. I would suggest rather than the usual approach to consultaion i.e. here are our plans what do you think of them, we should go for a more engaged process in which fans are asked to input into the design from the design brief stage. A workshop outlining the framework so we have a better understanding on what is and is not possible followed by a session where we can put our ideas forward. I would then follow this up at each stage with those who show most interest being invited to join a design steering group with the professionals and financial stakeholders to see the projet through to its conclusion. Having end user input from the start will avoid many problems later on in the process as it is often those that use the stadium for its primary purpose (football match on a saturday) who are able to understand advantages and disadvantages of various design concepts such as the placing of catering outlets, ticketing systems to name just two.

Of course letting everyone have a say through the 'this is our plans what do you think' process will still need to happen as it is a statatury requirement through the planning process.

totally agree, tho would be difficult to get to happen i'd bet. but would be up for spending some time on that project for definite.

I think the club should definitely look into the possibility of 'safe standing' areas rather than immediately assume all-seater status.

again, absolutely agree.

I strongly suggest you contact Brian Burgess on these matters Luke, and pretty soon.

yeah come on, get moving!

 

[PrincessBee]

To build a non-standard stadium, not 'off the shelf', will incur higher costs. anything over designed will take longer to build and add more to the cost.
i can see this argument for fans input delaying the process, and not adding to it.

it would need to be a small focus group type affair i'd think, rather than public vote on every brick, but any input that we can get can only be a good thing.

for one thing, user surveys have to add to how easy a building is to use for instance, and if it's easier to use it will attract more use, and so on.

making something fit for purpose as well as cheap has long term benefits, you have to have a balance of the two.

 

[Bigbee]

.....the new stadium doesn't have to be bland..................

He doesnt mean plain,hes Chinese.

 

[finsbury_bee]

I really agree that there should be fans input. A new stadium will only come about once in a lifetime, so it's a really exciting opportunity for the fans to be involved, after all we're supposed to own the club.

Personally, I think a square stadium would be better over an oval one, cos then each stand could build it's own character / history. Definitely agree with safe-standing (though can't see it happening cos of European regulations or something like that). Think the sides should be quite steep so the place feels enclosed and intimidating for away teams, and the sound stays in better. The artist impression looks pretty good in my opinion.

Maybe the stadium will have an official name, like Lionel Road, but a sponsorship name on the first 10 years.

 

[walkerbee]

not knowing the ins and outs of the relevant legislation, and a google search not coming to frutition, i was wondering whether we would be allowed to build a new stadium with terracing. i know it is banned in the top two tiers of football (but that you have a couple of years to address the issue if you are promoted) but clubs can continue to use terracing if they have it in the lower two divisions. is it the case though that all new stadiums MUST be all seater, seeing as most new stadiums around are. or would we still be allowed to create a terraced section?

 

[taybren]

not knowing the ins and outs of the relevant legislation, and a google search not coming to frutition, i was wondering whether we would be allowed to build a new stadium with terracing. i know it is banned in the top two tiers of football (but that you have a couple of years to address the issue if you are promoted) but clubs can continue to use terracing if they have it in the lower two divisions. is it the case though that all new stadiums MUST be all seater, seeing as most new stadiums around are. or would we still be allowed to create a terraced section?

why don't you have it all seater but have one end the singing end and everyone can stand up if they want to i dont see the kop end at liverpool seating down ever during the game

 

[jlove]

I think that the stadium layout will be dictated by the shape of the site - in order to maximise the land use - which is not a restriction all the other 'green field' sites have. This will mean that it will probably be an irregular shape which, hopefully, will give it some character.

Perhaps we can request special section, alongside the pitch and near the players' tunnel, that has generous seating, within level walking reach of a bar (with pies and hot cheeseburgers with onions) and large gangways with handrails and clear signage to the lavatories. I'm sure we can think of a good name for it!

 

[folkestonebee]

Great News all though I will be sorry to see GP go, It holds a lot of Varying memories for me over the years!!!!!

 

[Edmundo]

not knowing the ins and outs of the relevant legislation, and a google search not coming to frutition, i was wondering whether we would be allowed to build a new stadium with terracing. i know it is banned in the top two tiers of football (but that you have a couple of years to address the issue if you are promoted) but clubs can continue to use terracing if they have it in the lower two divisions. is it the case though that all new stadiums MUST be all seater, seeing as most new stadiums around are. or would we still be allowed to create a terraced section?

When Exeter City rebuilt the Big Bank stand, they put in a terrace that was designed for easy conversion to seating, should it become necessary. This was about ten years ago, perhaps a tad less. I don't think legislation is an issue if we are outside the top two tiers, but the FL has a lengthy document on requirements for stadia that I can email you if you PM me your email address. (But it's long and boring, so don't feel like you have to ask for it!)

 

[rebus]

Terracing is not going in at Lionel Road. It's not an option.

 

[PrincessBee]

Terracing is not going in at Lionel Road. It's not an option.

because it's impossible, or because you said so? or because it allows ticket prices to be higher?

(also they have safe standing areas in germany, they are legal in european law, just not in european competitions)

 

[rebus]

because it's impossible, or because you said so? or because it allows ticket prices to be higher?

(also they have safe standing areas in germany, they are legal in european law, just not in european competitions)

I'm just pointing out what is going to happen, not the rights and wrongs. We have safe standing at Brentford also.

 

[Idaho Bee]

I'm just pointing out what is going to happen, not the rights and wrongs. We have safe standing at Brentford also.

I think the question Mark was "why is not going to happen"?

 

[chippendale]

Now that the land purchase is complete the next stages will be the hardest. particularly gaining planning permission. it will not be easy and I suspect (as with all major redevelopmets) that it will come in for some opposition/criticism. However if the club approach it in the correct way I am sure that they will be able to overcome any concerns raised by the local community.

keep going all the hard work starts now!

transport/traffic will I expect be a major issue as will the impact of the sight lines to Kew Gardens a world heritage site. When including residential there is a raft of planning guidance that will need to be met either onsite or off site through S106 agreements such as amenity space.

I am reasured by the last two paragraphs of the statement that these issues will be handled by relevent proffesionals.

Lukes's words are very relevant.

A very long way to go before BFC kicks its first ball on the new turf. I just hope that it all comes good and doesn't hit the buffers.