Kop development

[pwynnej]

After the fight we had with Hamilton and co 15-20 years ago I would think any notion of moving to another location would be unpalatable to most fans.

[pagl]

Originally Posted by pwynnej

After the fight we had with Hamilton and co 15-20 years ago I would think any notion of moving to another location would be unpalatable to most fans.

Crazy holding onto fears of the past.

If it was in our best interests it would have to be considered.

Options are to continue with 99 year lease, try and buy the current ground and modernise or a new ground.
Funding is the key.

[Stafford Red]

Originally Posted by Prodigal Dragon

Assuming we had the will and the money to build a new, purpose-built ground away from the Racecourse, do we have a clause to get us out of the 99-year lease with Glyndŵr?

Leaving the Racecourse would be an emotional wrench many fans couldn’t stomach, but I think it should be considered.

Why would we possibly consider looking for a new ground now.

We have a lease which will effectively get easier to pay each year, loads of commercial possibilities, close to town, history and tradition. We're committed to the racecourse so lets embrace it. if there is money to spare then carry out ground improvements as and when. for me the goal should be a 4 sided ground fit to host international matches, which will surely be cheaper than trying to fund a new ground.

As for the kop, it's not a basket case, but I can't see any alternative than flatten it and start again. The contaminated ground argument is rolled out regularly, but i do wonder if it's actually based on fact. there may be some contaminated ground, but it may be limited to a small area that could be dealt with fairly reasonably. The we don't need a big all singing all dancing entertainment complex, we don't need safe standing although it would be nice.

A basic 2000 seater stand with a covered concourse, food and drink outlets and toilets would do it.

It can be done, and it doesn't have to cost a fortune, but like everything it will cost, and at present any available cash should be aimed directly at getting us back in the league.

[Bryn Tirion]

Unfortunately we will still be having this discussion in 10 years time and probably for another 10 years after that. It’s just not worth getting your hopes up that something will happen. Nobody apart from the fans cares enough to make it happen.

[Leighton Red]

I actually believe that the number one thing to do is to get rid of the old Kop. The uni should do this when undertaking the next phase of building accommodation when the heavy plant machinery is on the ground perhaps with some donation from the club to aid the cost. Once the current stand is gone it will prompt a greater drive for a new stand to be built on the site and will be easier to get grants etc.. IMHO. A blank canvas would appeal to backers way more than an old eyesore that the current kop has very sadly become.

[Wrexham's Patrick Bateman]

Originally Posted by Stafford Red

Why would we possibly consider looking for a new ground now.

We have a lease which will effectively get easier to pay each year, loads of commercial possibilities, close to town, history and tradition. We're committed to the racecourse so lets embrace it. if there is money to spare then carry out ground improvements as and when. for me the goal should be a 4 sided ground fit to host international matches, which will surely be cheaper than trying to fund a new ground.

As for the kop, it's not a basket case, but I can't see any alternative than flatten it and start again. The contaminated ground argument is rolled out regularly, but i do wonder if it's actually based on fact. there may be some contaminated ground, but it may be limited to a small area that could be dealt with fairly reasonably. The we don't need a big all singing all dancing entertainment complex, we don't need safe standing although it would be nice.

A basic 2000 seater stand with a covered concourse, food and drink outlets and toilets would do it.

It can be done, and it doesn't have to cost a fortune, but like everything it will cost, and at present any available cash should be aimed directly at getting us back in the league.

My Dad, used to tell me stories of people throwing clinkers on the pitch.(In the general direction of the referee) ...
Surely, the clinkers would be just a layer for people to stand on. The question is..What's underneath that.....

[noisy1]

Things should have started years ago.

Get an engineering firm (ideally one friendly to the club who would waive any fees) in to remove the barriers on the stand. Their payment could be the value of the scrap metal.

Only a small step but it needs to be taken at some point.

[pagl]

Originally Posted by Bryn Tirion

Unfortunately we will still be having this discussion in 10 years time and probably for another 10 years after that. It’s just not worth getting your hopes up that something will happen. Nobody apart from the fans cares enough to make it happen.

Yes unfortunately efforts are focused on keeping the plates spinning for each season and there isn't any real capacity to take the ground issues much further.

This Kop development article just adds more issues to the problem and isn't very well thought though in terms of actual delivery.

Firstly we have WCBC involved, there are ownership issues, there are funding issues, there are health & safety issues and overall who owns this 'master plan'.

[Congy Red]

It would make sense to look at the kop as a large piece of real estate. The club could probably use a bit for big games, but I think sacrificing the rest is worthwhile if that sacrifice makes development possible.

I propose the bulk of the kop is sold, a large wall is built near to the pitch,as a boundary for the ground, and between there and the pitch the surface is made safe.

Once we're in the first division a cantilevered roof can be added, and safestanding. It the ground has a 10K capacity it suits our use.