SUFC: The Future The West Stand

[RHB]

It's likely that the big money from the Consortium will go towards rebuilding the East Stand in the near future. I've also seen money invested in the North Stand, but apart from making the bar larger and accessible from both sides, I've not yet seen physical improvements in the standard of the catering or the toilets. The outcry when the Eat Street Wagon was shut off from the West was sizeable and I'm really hoping that either there will be more franchise food outlets in the West next season, or at least an upgrade of what the Club food points offer, including vegetarian options, to properly match the Eat Street offerings. The most important thing for me would be improvements to the safety aspects of the West. When the West clears out at the end of the game arm supports (similar to those at Barnet) at the end of each row would be a blessing for those of us that aren't as quick as others in negotiating the steps, and safer for all.

I get that there is a limited pot of money to improve the ground, but don't forget that the safety of supporters leaving the ground is something that should not be ignored. I'm not sure how many others in the West feel the same as me, but if I feel safe walking to my seat and I can buy food in there worthy of the name, then I will spend more money as a result.

I've not stuck this in the Fans Engagement thread yet as I wanted to give it a wider airing in ChitChat. Mods, move it if you wish.

 

[Liam AAS]

I thought the toilets in the west were much improved tbf, there were ceiling tiles falling through last season!

The priority is the East stand because it can generate non-matchday revenue. I know they were at least having discussions about a full stadium refurb (NOT REBUILD) so that lots of these amenities could be improved but it will almost certainly be East first as it opens up desperately needed revenue streams.

 

[RHB]

I thought the toilets in the west were much improved tbf, there were ceiling tiles falling through last season!

The priority is the East stand because it can generate non-matchday revenue. I know they were at least having discussions about a full stadium refurb (NOT REBUILD) so that lots of these amenities could be improved but it will almost certainly be East first as it opens up desperately needed revenue streams.

I get that Liam, but what I'm suggesting is not major surgery, and would improve the West Stand facilities. As for the toilets, you may care to see what the West Stand ladies say about the state of their toilets.

 

[Shrimper]

If the wall at the back of the West Stand is going to be removed (I think I read it will) will they look to just reprofile the stand and put new concrete down you reckon?

 

[Blues4LifeDan]

Does anyone know why there is raised concrete at the back of the west stand? The lads and I were talking about it on Saturday and apart from Ron burying HMRC representatives under it, we couldn't think of a reason.

It's much wasted space. If that could be drilled out flat, it would make so much room to put pop up catering facilities there. You could have 4 or 5 along there. Putting them on top of the concrete like they have with the bar is an absolute nightmare for accessibility.

 

[Smiffy]

Does anyone know why there is raised concrete at the back of the west stand? The lads and I were talking about it on Saturday and apart from Ron burying HMRC representatives under it, we couldn't think of a reason.

It's much wasted space. If that could be drilled out flat, it would make so much room to put pop up catering facilities there. You could have 4 or 5 along there. Putting them on top of the concrete like they have with the bar is an absolute nightmare for accessibility.

Apparently it's a retaining wall for the Shakespeare drive properties that back on to the stadium. So not a quick fix by any means if so.

 

[Liam AAS]

I get that Liam, but what I'm suggesting is not major surgery, and would improve the West Stand facilities. As for the toilets, you may care to see what the West Stand ladies say about the state of their toilets.

I totally agree (and trust you on the women's loos) but just don't think this is at the top of the priority list for them.

 

[Uncle_Rons_Teapot]

I moved to the West from the East halfway through the season and I don't regret it one bit.

Great memories of sitting in the West in my early teens during the Newman, Tilly era before I moved to the South Upper.

One thing I wish they'd do though is make it possible to walk into the South from the West and info the main carpark without having to walk round via Shakespeare drive

 

[Blues4LifeDan]

Apparently it's a retaining wall for the Shakespeare drive properties that back on to the stadium. So not a quick fix by any means if so.

Ah ok. I said that to my dad but he said to me that the gardens don't actually go that far and there is actually space behind the west stand fence before the gardens actually start. But I'm really not sure.

 

[Shrimpergonzo]

Ah ok. I said that to my dad but he said to me that the gardens don't actually go that far and there is actually space behind the west stand fence before the gardens actually start. But I'm really not sure.

Here's an aerial shot from Google. It's very wide for a retaining wall, not sure it needs to be as big as that. The other question is what are they doing about the old West Stand ticket office building? That's just wasted space as it's not used any more.

 

[Blues4LifeDan]

Here's an aerial shot from Google. It's very wide for a retaining wall, not sure it needs to be as big as that. The other question is what are they doing about the old West Stand ticket office building? That's just wasted space as it's not used any more.

View attachment 36497

The aerial shot really makes you quiver when you think about safety. That outdoor area is so narrow for 3000 people to get out of in an emergency. It's no wonder they can't have the gate open to the new street food van.

 

[Shrimpergonzo]

The aerial shot really makes you quiver when you think about safety. That outdoor area is so narrow for 3000 people to get out of in an emergency. It's no wonder they can't have the gate open to the new street food van.

The thing that would make the most sense would be to knock down all of the existing toilets, bars etc. and put them where the retaining wall/concrete slab is at the moment (backing onto the gardens) to give one larger concourse area and keep the queues away from the circulation areas.

 

[RHB]

The thing that would make the most sense would be to knock down all of the existing toilets, bars etc. and put them where the retaining wall/concrete slab is at the moment (backing onto the gardens) to give one larger concourse area and keep the queues away from the circulation areas.

As you say, that would make most sense, but available funding would probably blow that out for the moment. So, without sounding like a cracked record, upgrade all the toilets, the food and improve the safety elements of the Stand. Surely that would not be beyond the realms of doability (not sure if this is a word before a pedant attack occurs).

 

[Blues4LifeDan]

The thing that would make the most sense would be to knock down all of the existing toilets, bars etc. and put them where the retaining wall/concrete slab is at the moment (backing onto the gardens) to give one larger concourse area and keep the queues away from the circulation areas.

I agree but I don't know how that will impact on the gardens. Smells and noise etc. would make sense for us.

 

[onceknownasrab]

I thought the toilets in the west were much improved tbf, there were ceiling tiles falling through last season!

The priority is the East stand because it can generate non-matchday revenue. I know they were at least having discussions about a full stadium refurb (NOT REBUILD) so that lots of these amenities could be improved but it will almost certainly be East first as it opens up desperately needed revenue streams.

Improved toilets? It is a disgrace to use the urinals that have the same gunge and stains game after game. The very least that should be done is regular cleaning.

 

[TSG]

As you say, that would make most sense, but available funding would probably blow that out for the moment. So, without sounding like a cracked record, upgrade all the toilets, the food and improve the safety elements of the Stand. Surely that would not be beyond the realms of doability (not sure if this is a word before a pedant attack occurs).

"Doability" is a noun that describes the quality of being achievable or possible.

 

[RHB]

"Doability" is a noun that describes the quality of being achievable or possible.

Thank you, I feel much better now

 

[Maldon Blues]

Here's an aerial shot from Google. It's very wide for a retaining wall, not sure it needs to be as big as that. The other question is what are they doing about the old West Stand ticket office building? That's just wasted space as it's not used any more.

This would be perfect for a secondary match day club shop. It's a good walk round to the main shop, so there'd be plenty of potential trade. There was one there many, many years ago.

 

[Frobisher]

It's likely that the big money from the Consortium will go towards rebuilding the East Stand in the near future. I've also seen money invested in the North Stand, but apart from making the bar larger and accessible from both sides, I've not yet seen physical improvements in the standard of the catering or the toilets. The outcry when the Eat Street Wagon was shut off from the West was sizeable and I'm really hoping that either there will be more franchise food outlets in the West next season, or at least an upgrade of what the Club food points offer, including vegetarian options, to properly match the Eat Street offerings. The most important thing for me would be improvements to the safety aspects of the West. When the West clears out at the end of the game arm supports (similar to those at Barnet) at the end of each row would be a blessing for those of us that aren't as quick as others in negotiating the steps, and safer for all.

I get that there is a limited pot of money to improve the ground, but don't forget that the safety of supporters leaving the ground is something that should not be ignored. I'm not sure how many others in the West feel the same as me, but if I feel safe walking to my seat and I can buy food in there worthy of the name, then I will spend more money as a result.

I've not stuck this in the Fans Engagement thread yet as I wanted to give it a wider airing in ChitChat. Mods, move it if you wish.

Vegetarian Options ? Maybe Forest Green is the team for you.

 

[RHB]

Vegetarian Options ? Maybe Forest Green is the team for you.

Not me mate, my old pal @Ricey is in need on that front.