Constructive ideas for Ground Development

[ShotOnTarget]

Is there any reason why the football club should be given a lease on all this land owned by Rushmoor council ?
The council owns the land the club operates on, surely they should have been investing and overseeing the development themselves ? I would have more faith in having a stadium in public ownership than the present owners of Aldershot Town FC.
I’ve supported the club for over 50 years but I no longer believe it’s in the best interests of supporters or the local community to give this asset to these individuals. Let the council develop the land and give the community a stadium to be proud of.
Aldershot Town can rent the stadium on matchdays and perhaps concentrate on sporting success for a change.

The club would always have to lease (or own) the stadium with or without the land as you cannot be eligible for promotion to the EFL unless you have either the freehold or a minimum 10 year lease. If you are not eligible for promotion then you cannot play within the league that provides that promotion so the highest level we could ever play if we rented the stadium would be National League South.

Regarding Council providing cash investment they can argue that investing in retail/offices/and housing is a direct benefit to the residents of Rushmoor I doubt that building a stadium for a football club would meet that threshold. You may recall that back when the lease was granted RBC were invited to become partners in the development and they declined as they did not feel it was something they could get directly involved in.

Hopefully RBC might reconsider. There surely must be a way of creating a facility that serves the community as well as hosting a football club under a lease arrangement.

[Richard Petty]

No I don’t recall RBC being invited to become partners and rejecting the idea Richard. What I’m saying is RBC don’t need partners to do any of this, least of all with the owners of this football club.

I agree that if they wanted to then they could do the development themselves and then lease it to the football club once completed but why would they want to when its easier to just lease all the land and say "If you want it go and do it" plus if they did the development and built the stadium there would still be the same problems of making the numbers work as they could not be seen to be putting any money in unless they were to then charge the club the market rate for leasing us the stadium.

[Richard Petty]

Is there any reason why the football club should be given a lease on all this land owned by Rushmoor council ?
The council owns the land the club operates on, surely they should have been investing and overseeing the development themselves ? I would have more faith in having a stadium in public ownership than the present owners of Aldershot Town FC.
I’ve supported the club for over 50 years but I no longer believe it’s in the best interests of supporters or the local community to give this asset to these individuals. Let the council develop the land and give the community a stadium to be proud of.
Aldershot Town can rent the stadium on matchdays and perhaps concentrate on sporting success for a change.

The club would always have to lease (or own) the stadium with or without the land as you cannot be eligible for promotion to the EFL unless you have either the freehold or a minimum 10 year lease. If you are not eligible for promotion then you cannot play within the league that provides that promotion so the highest level we could ever play if we rented the stadium would be National League South.

Regarding Council providing cash investment they can argue that investing in retail/offices/and housing is a direct benefit to the residents of Rushmoor I doubt that building a stadium for a football club would meet that threshold. You may recall that back when the lease was granted RBC were invited to become partners in the development and they declined as they did not feel it was something they could get directly involved in.

Hopefully RBC might reconsider. There surely must be a way of creating a facility that serves the community as well as hosting a football club under a lease arrangement.

The problem is the limitations of the site SoT, in an ideal world I would love to see a brand new stadium that incorporated a new Rushmoor Leisure Centre instead of rebuilding the old centre in Farnborough but I don't see how something of that size could ever be successfully built on the current site.

[karlready]

No I don’t recall RBC being invited to become partners and rejecting the idea Richard. What I’m saying is RBC don’t need partners to do any of this, least of all with the owners of this football club.

I agree that if they wanted to then they could do the development themselves and then lease it to the football club once completed but why would they want to when its easier to just lease all the land and say "If you want it go and do it" plus if they did the development and built the stadium there would still be the same problems of making the numbers work as they could not be seen to be putting any money in unless they were to then charge the club the market rate for leasing us the stadium.

RBC could not conceivably develop a stadium; it would involve borrowing money and using public funds. To what ends - hardly an investment, there’s no profit to be made; anyway the majority of Rushmoor ratepayers have no interest in the football club.
Aldershot Borough council used to build social housing for rental. Lord knows we need it, locally and nationally. IMO we are fortunate that the proposed flats development is to finance the stadium update.

[Headley Shot]

No I don’t recall RBC being invited to become partners and rejecting the idea Richard. What I’m saying is RBC don’t need partners to do any of this, least of all with the owners of this football club.

I agree that if they wanted to then they could do the development themselves and then lease it to the football club once completed but why would they want to when its easier to just lease all the land and say "If you want it go and do it" plus if they did the development and built the stadium there would still be the same problems of making the numbers work as they could not be seen to be putting any money in unless they were to then charge the club the market rate for leasing us the stadium.

RBC could not conceivably develop a stadium; it would involve borrowing money and using public funds. To what ends - hardly an investment, there’s no profit to be made; anyway the majority of Rushmoor ratepayers have no interest in the football club.
Aldershot Borough council used to build social housing for rental. Lord knows we need it, locally and nationally. IMO we are fortunate that the proposed flats development is to finance the stadium update.

The flats development won’t fund a stadium redevelopment but it will allow the football club to move into profit briefly.
I’m not expecting the current owners to hang around very long when it does.

[karlready]

I agree that if they wanted to then they could do the development themselves and then lease it to the football club once completed but why would they want to when its easier to just lease all the land and say "If you want it go and do it" plus if they did the development and built the stadium there would still be the same problems of making the numbers work as they could not be seen to be putting any money in unless they were to then charge the club the market rate for leasing us the stadium.

RBC could not conceivably develop a stadium; it would involve borrowing money and using public funds. To what ends - hardly an investment, there’s no profit to be made; anyway the majority of Rushmoor ratepayers have no interest in the football club.
Aldershot Borough council used to build social housing for rental. Lord knows we need it, locally and nationally. IMO we are fortunate that the proposed flats development is to finance the stadium update.

The flats development won’t fund a stadium redevelopment but it will allow the football club to move into profit briefly.
I’m not expecting the current owners to hang around very long when it does.

I would just ask where you think the >£7m. is going to come from….

[Headley Shot]

RBC could not conceivably develop a stadium; it would involve borrowing money and using public funds. To what ends - hardly an investment, there’s no profit to be made; anyway the majority of Rushmoor ratepayers have no interest in the football club.
Aldershot Borough council used to build social housing for rental. Lord knows we need it, locally and nationally. IMO we are fortunate that the proposed flats development is to finance the stadium update.

The flats development won’t fund a stadium redevelopment but it will allow the football club to move into profit briefly.
I’m not expecting the current owners to hang around very long when it does.

I would just ask where you think the >£7m. is going to come from….

It’s not where the £7 million is coming from, it’s WHY it’s being done this way that Im questioning.

[chimpster99]

Back on topic, some thoughts on constructive ideas for the ground:

KEEP THE EAST BANK - This is the heart and soul of our club, retaining it will save funds and help to keep the supporters 'onside'. The stand needs a major overhaul, e.g. new terracing over the existing, new cladding, complete re-wiring and new toilets/refreshments close at hand.

THE OTHER THREE SIDES - Matching, tidy, all-seater stands offering spectators comfort and easy access to refreshments and toilets. Keep the seating rake steep for the best possible viewing angles and to make best use of the limited space on offer. Must be built of robust materials (i.e. concrete), no cheap steel stands please! Here's an idea of what I'm thinking in terms of the general style: https://omaspstadion.fi/

OTHER ELEMENTS - A decent new, well-stocked club shop. A small museum space showing the best of the old and new club (could be tied in with a meeting space or the club shop). Modern executive lounge and seating for hospitality. Proper TV Gantry/platform and media room. I would prefer a grass pitch but recognise that 3G/4G would offer revenue generation in the shorter term. LED lighting throughout and solar PV installed across the roofs. Rainwater harvesting and possibly irrigation water recovery.

Non-matchday revenue streams:

GYM & LEISURE FACILITIES - Gym & fitness studio which can be reserved for use by the Shots squad(s) at certain fixed times but is otherwise open to the public, either operated by the club or franchised out.

BUSINESS CENTRE - An office hub for small businesses which also offers meeting rooms and conferencing facilities. This could be operated by the club as an extension to its own offices, or franchised out separately through Regus or a similar organisation. A potential template for this is the Allia Future Business Centre at Peterborough United: https://futurebusinesscentre.co.uk/our- ... erborough/.

COMMUNITY HUB - A focal point for local people with a cafe, meeting spaces, event space(s) for weddings, dinners, etc. Perhaps even an auditorium/theatre/cinema, etc. for hosting events (also used as part of the conferencing?). A space for a créche or pre-school (with some outdoor play space available). See what the adjacent Buddhist Temple may need for overflow facilities? Plus a decent bar/pub for people/supporters to come for a drink and meet up on non-matchdays.

[Richard Petty]

Back on topic, some thoughts on constructive ideas for the ground:

KEEP THE EAST BANK - This is the heart and soul of our club, retaining it will save funds and help to keep the supporters 'onside'. The stand needs a major overhaul, e.g. new terracing over the existing, new cladding, complete re-wiring and new toilets/refreshments close at hand.

THE OTHER THREE SIDES - Matching, tidy, all-seater stands offering spectators comfort and easy access to refreshments and toilets. Keep the seating rake steep for the best possible viewing angles and to make best use of the limited space on offer. Must be built of robust materials (i.e. concrete), no cheap steel stands please! Here's an idea of what I'm thinking in terms of the general style: https://omaspstadion.fi/

OTHER ELEMENTS - A decent new, well-stocked club shop. A small museum space showing the best of the old and new club (could be tied in with a meeting space or the club shop). Modern executive lounge and seating for hospitality. Proper TV Gantry/platform and media room. I would prefer a grass pitch but recognise that 3G/4G would offer revenue generation in the shorter term. LED lighting throughout and solar PV installed across the roofs. Rainwater harvesting and possibly irrigation water recovery.

Non-matchday revenue streams:

GYM & LEISURE FACILITIES - Gym & fitness studio which can be reserved for use by the Shots squad(s) at certain fixed times but is otherwise open to the public, either operated by the club or franchised out.

BUSINESS CENTRE - An office hub for small businesses which also offers meeting rooms and conferencing facilities. This could be operated by the club as an extension to its own offices, or franchised out separately through Regus or a similar organisation. A potential template for this is the Allia Future Business Centre at Peterborough United: https://futurebusinesscentre.co.uk/our- ... erborough/.

COMMUNITY HUB - A focal point for local people with a cafe, meeting spaces, event space(s) for weddings, dinners, etc. Perhaps even an auditorium/theatre/cinema, etc. for hosting events (also used as part of the conferencing?). A space for a créche or pre-school (with some outdoor play space available). See what the adjacent Buddhist Temple may need for overflow facilities? Plus a decent bar/pub for people/supporters to come for a drink and meet up on non-matchdays.

I like most of what you have said chimpster99 but I would question wanting the rest of the stadium as all seater on 3 sides. A lot of people like to stand on the sides to view the game and I think that the design should accommodate that.

The other problem that you have not taken into account is the physical constraints of the actual site, the space that we have available is no greater than we have now so we would never be able to accommodate even a fraction of all that you have listed.

[chimpster99]

Back on topic, some thoughts on constructive ideas for the ground:

KEEP THE EAST BANK - This is the heart and soul of our club, retaining it will save funds and help to keep the supporters 'onside'. The stand needs a major overhaul, e.g. new terracing over the existing, new cladding, complete re-wiring and new toilets/refreshments close at hand.

THE OTHER THREE SIDES - Matching, tidy, all-seater stands offering spectators comfort and easy access to refreshments and toilets. Keep the seating rake steep for the best possible viewing angles and to make best use of the limited space on offer. Must be built of robust materials (i.e. concrete), no cheap steel stands please! Here's an idea of what I'm thinking in terms of the general style: https://omaspstadion.fi/

OTHER ELEMENTS - A decent new, well-stocked club shop. A small museum space showing the best of the old and new club (could be tied in with a meeting space or the club shop). Modern executive lounge and seating for hospitality. Proper TV Gantry/platform and media room. I would prefer a grass pitch but recognise that 3G/4G would offer revenue generation in the shorter term. LED lighting throughout and solar PV installed across the roofs. Rainwater harvesting and possibly irrigation water recovery.

Non-matchday revenue streams:

GYM & LEISURE FACILITIES - Gym & fitness studio which can be reserved for use by the Shots squad(s) at certain fixed times but is otherwise open to the public, either operated by the club or franchised out.

BUSINESS CENTRE - An office hub for small businesses which also offers meeting rooms and conferencing facilities. This could be operated by the club as an extension to its own offices, or franchised out separately through Regus or a similar organisation. A potential template for this is the Allia Future Business Centre at Peterborough United: https://futurebusinesscentre.co.uk/our- ... erborough/.

COMMUNITY HUB - A focal point for local people with a cafe, meeting spaces, event space(s) for weddings, dinners, etc. Perhaps even an auditorium/theatre/cinema, etc. for hosting events (also used as part of the conferencing?). A space for a créche or pre-school (with some outdoor play space available). See what the adjacent Buddhist Temple may need for overflow facilities? Plus a decent bar/pub for people/supporters to come for a drink and meet up on non-matchdays.

I like most of what you have said chimpster99 but I would question wanting the rest of the stadium as all seater on 3 sides. A lot of people like to stand on the sides to view the game and I think that the design should accommodate that.

The other problem that you have not taken into account is the physical constraints of the actual site, the space that we have available is no greater than we have now so we would never be able to accommodate even a fraction of all that you have listed.

Of course Richard, some standing at either end of the side stands should be simple to do.

I take your point about space and agree, as the ground is hemmed in on the sides - however we are blessed with room behind the goals. For example at the HSE there is potential to site the 'extras' like the gym, business centre, club offices, community facilities, club shop, etc. - maybe even the dressing rooms - some of which may have to go in a semi-basement floor due to the slope. This would leave more space for the north and south stands to house seating, media, hospitality, etc.

I have it all designed in my head!!

[Richard Petty]

Back on topic, some thoughts on constructive ideas for the ground:

KEEP THE EAST BANK - This is the heart and soul of our club, retaining it will save funds and help to keep the supporters 'onside'. The stand needs a major overhaul, e.g. new terracing over the existing, new cladding, complete re-wiring and new toilets/refreshments close at hand.

THE OTHER THREE SIDES - Matching, tidy, all-seater stands offering spectators comfort and easy access to refreshments and toilets. Keep the seating rake steep for the best possible viewing angles and to make best use of the limited space on offer. Must be built of robust materials (i.e. concrete), no cheap steel stands please! Here's an idea of what I'm thinking in terms of the general style: https://omaspstadion.fi/

OTHER ELEMENTS - A decent new, well-stocked club shop. A small museum space showing the best of the old and new club (could be tied in with a meeting space or the club shop). Modern executive lounge and seating for hospitality. Proper TV Gantry/platform and media room. I would prefer a grass pitch but recognise that 3G/4G would offer revenue generation in the shorter term. LED lighting throughout and solar PV installed across the roofs. Rainwater harvesting and possibly irrigation water recovery.

Non-matchday revenue streams:

GYM & LEISURE FACILITIES - Gym & fitness studio which can be reserved for use by the Shots squad(s) at certain fixed times but is otherwise open to the public, either operated by the club or franchised out.

BUSINESS CENTRE - An office hub for small businesses which also offers meeting rooms and conferencing facilities. This could be operated by the club as an extension to its own offices, or franchised out separately through Regus or a similar organisation. A potential template for this is the Allia Future Business Centre at Peterborough United: https://futurebusinesscentre.co.uk/our- ... erborough/.

COMMUNITY HUB - A focal point for local people with a cafe, meeting spaces, event space(s) for weddings, dinners, etc. Perhaps even an auditorium/theatre/cinema, etc. for hosting events (also used as part of the conferencing?). A space for a créche or pre-school (with some outdoor play space available). See what the adjacent Buddhist Temple may need for overflow facilities? Plus a decent bar/pub for people/supporters to come for a drink and meet up on non-matchdays.

I like most of what you have said chimpster99 but I would question wanting the rest of the stadium as all seater on 3 sides. A lot of people like to stand on the sides to view the game and I think that the design should accommodate that.

The other problem that you have not taken into account is the physical constraints of the actual site, the space that we have available is no greater than we have now so we would never be able to accommodate even a fraction of all that you have listed.

Of course Richard, some standing at either end of the side stands should be simple to do.

I take your point about space and agree, as the ground is hemmed in on the sides - however we are blessed with room behind the goals. For example at the HSE there is potential to site the 'extras' like the gym, business centre, club offices, community facilities, club shop, etc. - maybe even the dressing rooms - some of which may have to go in a semi-basement floor due to the slope. This would leave more space for the north and south stands to house seating, media, hospitality, etc.

I have it all designed in my head!!

Same here, then I keep looking in my wallet to see what I can contribute to make my ideas happen and the moth flies out laughing at me

[karlready]

Yeah, the HSE has tremendous potential, a hotel was originally scheduled for this site, as we know, and there is room to utilise the natural slope to accommodate all manner of assets, all under a nice stand. Whether the budget will stretch is another matter, but putting everyday facilities at the front of the ground is obviously a winner.
This is also in my head…..

[ShotOnTarget]

The flats development won’t fund a stadium redevelopment but it will allow the football club to move into profit briefly.
I’m not expecting the current owners to hang around very long when it does.

I would just ask where you think the >£7m. is going to come from….

It’s not where the £7 million is coming from, it’s WHY it’s being done this way that Im questioning.

It's a valid question yet to be fully explained. I won't air my predictions publicly.

[supershots]

Is there any reason why the football club should be given a lease on all this land owned by Rushmoor council ?
The council owns the land the club operates on, surely they should have been investing and overseeing the development themselves ? I would have more faith in having a stadium in public ownership than the present owners of Aldershot Town FC.
I’ve supported the club for over 50 years but I no longer believe it’s in the best interests of supporters or the local community to give this asset to these individuals. Let the council develop the land and give the community a stadium to be proud of.
Aldershot Town can rent the stadium on matchdays and perhaps concentrate on sporting success for a change.

The club would always have to lease (or own) the stadium with or without the land as you cannot be eligible for promotion to the EFL unless you have either the freehold or a minimum 10 year lease. If you are not eligible for promotion then you cannot play within the league that provides that promotion so the highest level we could ever play if we rented the stadium would be National League South.

Regarding Council providing cash investment they can argue that investing in retail/offices/and housing is a direct benefit to the residents of Rushmoor I doubt that building a stadium for a football club would meet that threshold. You may recall that back when the lease was granted RBC were invited to become partners in the development and they declined as they did not feel it was something they could get directly involved in.

Hopefully RBC might reconsider. There surely must be a way of creating a facility that serves the community as well as hosting a football club under a lease arrangement.

Somehow West Ham managed it

[steveshot]

The way we’re going we’ll only need a 2000 capacity stadium