Planning Updates- All The Latest Details. 28/03/2022

[Chapperz]

Can someone explain to me in simple terms why we arent building the main stand first.

What am i missing

At a guess (so no knowledge apart from looking at the plans), but it looks like building the first three stands will be quicker and less expensive than building the main stand.

 

[kentblues]

I've always wondered this, surely it makes sense to build this side first being the main part with the facilities, etc.

It’s always been this way- nothing has changed. Partly funding - the three sides are funded by Homes England as an enabling project and I believe have to start first as a condition of the application.

The north stand was to be separately funded as this included the hotel. This required a funding partner (hotel- Hilton signed up). So it was always going to follow.
Who knows if it converts to housing it might be possible to bring it forward.

But on the cusp of approval no-one is going to be changing the application and putting it back.

Yes a number of the revenue streams come from the north stand and we will have to wait a year or two for the full benefit. Meanwhile Ron will continue to fund any shortfall (hopefully a reduced shortfall).

As I say absolutely nothing has changed other than now it’s looking a reality we appear more interested:-)

 

[Supa Shrimpa]

Can someone explain to me in simple terms why we arent building the main stand first.

What am i missing

It's cheaper ?

 

[NZamba Legend]

I've always wondered this, surely it makes sense to build this side first being the main part with the facilities, etc.

It’s the one part of the stadium that Ron might need to raise funds for, that’s why. The other three stands will be paid for by the housing developers as part of s106 agreements. Ron won’t need to pay for those. The main stand would have been part funded by the hotel chain I guess. But now, who knows? We’ll move stadiums, I’m certain that’s going to happen now, but RM will likely then sell the club leaving us with a three sided stadium and no means to build the fourth stand that provides us with an income. Someone please tell me I’m wrong. Why / how will the fourth stand ever be built?

 

[kentblues]

It’s the one part of the stadium that Ron might need to raise funds for, that’s why. The other three stands will be paid for by the housing developers as part of s106 agreements. Ron won’t need to pay for those. The main stand would have been part funded by the hotel chain I guess. But now, who knows? We’ll move stadiums, I’m certain that’s going to happen now, but RM will likely then sell the club leaving us with a three sided stadium and no means to build the fourth stand that provides us with an income. Someone please tell me I’m wrong. Why / how will the fourth stand ever be built?

I believe you are wrong.
If the Hilton doesn’t indeed go forward it will be more housing instead - the additional housing will be funded as part of the housing development providing additional revenue for the developers and in due course the council.
One funding replaces the other.

 

[JAL]

As persistent as Ron was to even get this stadium done for over the past 10+ years, I actually get the feeling that we won't be left with an unfinished stadium and it will be fully complete within or just after the projected dates. I don't think he'd turn his back on something he's been so damn persistent on, also don't think it would be reputable on his companies as well, but that's just my own opinion.

I do believe he needs to raise funds for the final stand OR there is room between the start of the project and the start of the final stand for plans to be changed up, whether that's removing the hotel, finding partnerships etc.

 

[Strykr]

Where the hell is he gonna find the funds.

And after all these years, the selling of the hall, and the thousands of properties it only funds 3 stands?

I know this is all common knowledge and we've all ranted about it before, but now it seems it may actually happen. It sucks.

 

[Supa Shrimpa]

Where the hell is he gonna find the funds.

And after all these years, the selling of the hall, and the thousands of properties it only funds 3 stands?

I know this is all common knowledge and we've all ranted about it before, but now it seems it may actually happen. It sucks.

Wouldn't he using the profits from the sale of the properties in the 3 sided thingy, to fund the main stand ? Plus he would then be able to build properties at Roots Hall as the covenant would no longer apply ?

 

[Supa Shrimpa]

also don't think it would be reputable on his companies as well

I think that went a long time ago

 

[TJC]

The loss of the festival leisure type retail and restaurants plans, to be replaced by housing is really killing it. It's gonna be like a quintock block in each corner

 

[Supa Shrimpa]

Am I right in thinking we'd have to walk right around to the other side to access the main stand ? So, anybody sitting in the South that wishes to make purchases from the Club Shop / Ticket Office would have to walk all the way round and then back again ?

 

[JAL]

Am I right in thinking we'd have to walk right around to the other side to access the main stand ? So, anybody sitting in the South that wishes to make purchases from the Club Shop / Ticket Office would have to walk all the way round and then back again ?

At least there's a lot of toilets..!

 

[sufc4life21]

Where the hell is he gonna find the funds.

And after all these years, the selling of the hall, and the thousands of properties it only funds 3 stands?

I know this is all common knowledge and we've all ranted about it before, but now it seems it may actually happen. It sucks.

He won't..... he will be long gone before the 4th stand gets built. It will end up as someone else is problem.

 

[Supa Shrimpa]

He won't..... he will be long gone before the 4th stand gets built. It will end up as someone else is problem.

that's my fear, aswell. He could sell this on and just conecentrate on a huge building project at Roots Hall.

 

[sufc4life21]

that's my fear, aswell. He could sell this on and just conecentrate on a huge building project at Roots Hall.

Guess it's case of waiting to see what happens. 3 sided stadium with no Ron? I'll take it.

Let's hope the next owner after Ron got few quid.

 

[The Big Dady]

Part of the plan regarding the North Main Stand will only proceed subject to funding as stated.

2.31 Subject to funding, the north stand of the Stadium, delivering the remaining 7,107 seats and residential/hotel uses, is planned to commence in Autumn 2023 along with the Gateway Residential buildings. The remaining blocks of the Outline scheme and the Academy Soccer Dome and ancillary building will follow thereafter.

 

[Strykr]

Seems incredibly *** about face to build every stand apart from the one thats gonna make you money.

Id rather have a one sided stadium with earning potential to fund the other three at this point in our non league life.

 

[SARF]

3 sides for 10 years. at least

 

[BILLERICAY BLUE]

There’s a lot of residential in the North Stsnd as well, there’s no way it’s not getting built

 

[fbm]

My my, we are an optimistic lot, aren't we?

If Ron builds 3 sides and then sells, who do you think he will sell to? He might sell it if everything is in place, but he wants us - Southend United - to have a stadium. Not part of a stadium. If he was out just to make a quick buck he could have done that 20 years ago and without the hassle of the last few years.

Just remember - for someone to want to sell, there has to be a buyer, and preferably more than one interested party to maximise the price. Ron isn't going to give it away.