£4m plans go public
22 October, 2009

Fleetwood Town unveiled plans for its new £4m stand at a public meeting in Highbury Stadium.  

The flagship 2000-seater development was given a warm response by the 100 or so people in attendance, including supporters, residents and local and county councillors.

Chairman Andy Pilley said this final phase of the football ground redevelopment will be the most exciting so far, following on from three new stands, supporters bar Football League standard floodlights and a brand new playing surface in recent years.

“We want to provide something the whole community can be proud of.  I do believe this isn’t something only for the football club, but something which will benefit the local community and the local residents.

“This is an exciting 2000-seater grandstand which will have state of the art facilities. The elevated views of the pitch will be second to none and the executive boxes will not only be available on match days, but for other uses during the week.

“There will also be the opportunity to rent out the new sponsors lounge for private parties and corporate events.  We will provide an even better day out than the club provides at the moment.”

The chairman said it is not just first team footballers who will benefit from the developments.

“In addition to changing facilities for our juniors, there will be an IT learning suite for their use and by local schools and adult learning groups.  This development will help us grow our work with children and be more inclusive.”

County Councillor Jim Lawrenson said the football club will have a direct impact on the regeneration of the whole area.  “The project can generate wealth, income and tourism. It’s not just on match days, but 365 days a year with functions, office space and all the other initiatives.

“We are on the brink of something big for Fleetwood.”

Some concern was raised by local residents about traffic issues and parking around the stadium.  Coun Lawrenson, chairman of the Blackpool and Lancashire Tourist Board, said Lancashire County Council road planners would be involved from the onset.

Mr Pilley confirmed parking at the stadium would be increased.

“We expect the onsite parking to at least double. The club are actively working with the council to improve traffic control and we are spending several thousand pounds on a traffic survey.”

Away from football, the new offices will attract 80 new jobs into the port.

The club expects to present plans to Wyre Borough Council in January to allow the project to be finished within the next 12 months.

The team is currently third in the Blue Square North, the second tier of non-league football and just two steps away from the Football League.

Picture: Coun Lawrenson & Andy Pilley

The drawings of the latest Highbury Stadium redevelopment are online... here