Fleet launch own stadium plans

[David Holden]

Gravesend & Northfleet F.C. have begun work on the design and feasibility of a major leisure development scheme in the area.

 

"We are putting together a team of professionals to work on the plans and it will include a new stadium for the Fleet" said Chairman, Brian Kilcullen.

 

The club believe it is possible to design an arena that will be a source of pride locally without it needing to have a capacity of 20,000 plus.

 

Kilcullen commented "we fully recognise the scheme must be visionary and exciting enough to bring profile and attract inward investment to the region. Our feasibility study will also focus on ensuring any scheme is financially sustainable over the long-term".

 

 

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[Wobbly Wayne rides again]

 

 

<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wow.gif" alt="" />

 

 

Well played one and all..

 

Superb news .

[Hempstead Gaz]

The reality of a new ground is starting to take shape.

So long as we don't employ the same team that Margit did!!!!!! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/greenapple.gif" alt="" />

[JimGNFC]

Quote:

The club believe it is possible to design an arena that will be a source of pride locally without it needing to have a capacity of 20,000 plus.

My only concern with this is that if The Fleet present 1 idea incorporating lets say a 10,000 Capacity stadium and Paul Scally presents another with a 20,000 Capacity Stadium who's going to make the bigger impression?

Now I appreciate its not practical for The Fleet to play in a 20,000 Stadium but . . . with a development on the scale of Ebbsfleet the "business community" may favour the option with the larger stadia plans.

The illusion of "grandeur" has prevailed over the centuries
and mankind's preference for self indulgence as demonstratated by spectactular architectural masterpieces such as the Pyramids illustrate this. (And No I'm not Pissed!) <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

If "The Fleet" opt for a 10,000 stadia then as part of the plans they need to be able to demonstrate visably how this stadium can be developed over time to match the growth of the area - or the "powers" that be may be left in awe of the Gills 20,000 super stadia.

I believe Rushden's stadium was designed so that it could accomadate a "second tier" to all there stands - maybe this is something the Fleet need to consider?

Now does anyone have any opinions on what the Fleet's capacity for a new stadium should initially be?

8-10,000 here

[American FLEET FAN No1]

I hope the board take all the options on board. Rushdens Stadium has a built in option for future expansion.

I would love to see a stadium with, say Squash courts and other community amenities, but......and i say but..........only if the Fleet can afford and support any shortfalls that might arise.

A Football only stadium, brings in revenue on matchdays the rest of the week brings in nothing!

[smithyman]

.....And the stadium could be used for athletics by incorporating a running track around the pitch....

 

No, sorry I withdraw that last comment!

[Hempstead Gaz]

It would need a community 'attraction' for use 7 days a week - such as a kids adventure playground. Here in Medway we have Fundrum, Kidzone and Monkey Bizz - and all appear busy all the time and make a shedful of money.

The cafe could be linked to matchday catering, all good profit.

These places are not that expensive to set up,operate or run.

On Matchdays, mums + small kids go there whilst dad + older ones watch Fleet. Eventually they will all watch Fleet.

And you have a regular income stream.

[Stu M]

Throw chavs to lions. It was a big draw in Roman times, and you wouldn't need any other facilities, just a cage and an arena. Job done...

[Fleetbabe]

Good to see that our stadium plans are getting off the ground. I think that, with us being the local team, and the Gills being the outsiders, they will lose out, and we'll get a stadium.

 

Maybe we could incorporate a kids club, like West ham have their Junior Hammers club, which would attract the parents with youncg kids, meaning that the kids get involved with the game, and we attract more fans.

[Guest]

I agree c10000, Jim.

 

Its quite possible to have a lower capacity initially and then grow with the team, I'm sure - apart from Rushden, theres the example of Charlton, who's rebuilt ground at the Valley initially only catered for c15000 I believe, but now holds considerably more. Not quite the same, I know, but even so ...

[Hempstead Gaz]

6-8000 would do to start, being able to increase to 10,000 or 15,000 if needed in the future.

[mikefleet]

are we really going to have a 10,000 seater stadium why?

i feel we should have 5-6000 seat and standing stadium.

this is what Kent Online had to say:

 

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sport/default.asp?article_id=17691

[Guest]

Carlisle game gate just over 2000, I would suggest a 5000 max is all thats needed. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> [color:"red"] [/color]

[jc]

Quote:

are we really going to have a 10,000 seater stadium why?

I suspect '10,000-seater' in the article really means a capacity of 10,000 - not all seats. Or at least I hope so...

To be honest, I wonder where they have got this figure from - after all, it wasn't in the club's statement the other day.

[Harry J Allstars]

Quote:

On Matchdays, mums + small kids go there whilst dad + older ones watch Fleet. Eventually they will all watch Fleet.

Not the view of all the blokes in here okay Fleetbabe