Potential Ashton Gate Redevelopment - Your Suggestions

[real_bristol]

[*]It will incorporate screen/screens and things like Wi-Fi

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[Blagdon Mike]

I represented the Supporters Club & Trust at the consultation meeting and my notes follow. The architects have studied the site and shown that it is viable to redevelop Ashton Gate (AG) as Plan B. It means, whatever the outcome of the Ashton Vale inquiry, plan B would be there to put into effect. Ashton Gate Ltd - the stadium arm of the Club - are aiming to go through the whole process and get planning permission for plan B by the end of 2013. We cannot overstate the importance of this fans consultation because the future of Bristol City is at stake. It is possible that when the AG plans come to fruition then fans will prefer it to plan A. WE URGE ALL FANS TO STUDY THE ISSUE AND MAKE THEIR OPINIONS KNOWN. We are in the first stage now for a few weeks before the next meeting when delegates want to go back with YOUR WISH LIST. Within a month or so, there will be an Ashton Gate survey along the lines of the New Stadium survey we had in 2008. Please study the notes below which answer some of the queries made so far including the estimated capacity of each stand and REPLY WITH YOUR WISH LIST. Many thanks!

Notes from consultation meeting 1

The canvas is blank especially stadium interior, images so far are general only, we fans have to provide the ideas.

Fan experience has been put at the top of the agenda.

Order of consultation is: Fans, staff, business, local community, regional bodies.

To pay its way the stadium must be a 365-days-of-the-year venue.

The site is big enough for the stadium because it includes the Hirerite area & study centre house.

This enables movement of whole pitch from Dolman to Williams by 5 metres to enable revamp of the Dolman.

The Dolman can then have access from the rear through vomitories and not from front & sides as now.

The Williams replacement will be moved 5m and be a two tier design, the rest will be one tier.

The Williams sees the biggest expansion and is the iconic or signature feature – we need ideas here especially.

Floor 1 Restaurant 340, Lounge 450, shop & museum Floor 2 Directors & Corporates Floor 3 Facilities

Shop, museum (through shop) and pub will be on corner approached along Wedlock Way from Winterstoke Road.

Ground floor of Williams fully glazed area – ideas wanted so it is not soulless.

The Wedlock is historic but must be maximised with vomitory access and boxes at top to bring into 21^st century.

Acoustics will inevitably be altered but as this is a major issue a specialist in acoustics has been appointed.

Acoustics was emphasised as being one of the top three fans’ concerns along with basic design and capacity.

Ground capacity will increase 18,600 ® 27,082: Dolman 6,434 ® 7,144

Atyeo 4,200 ® 4,249 Wedlock 3,220 ® 4,731

Williams 4,685 ® 9,958

The corners can be filled to assist reverberation if only with ‘wrap materials’ until fully utilised.

The team are aware of the unique nature of each stand and its fans.

One way of keeping the identity is to provide safe standing areas at each end of the Wedlock.

(There was misunderstanding from one fan that safe standing would reduce capacity but that can be corrected)

A continuous concourse could connect the length of the Dolman, through the Wedlock to the length of the Williams.

Players facilities move from Atyeo to Williams and players will run out at half-way.

Offices move to the Atyeo.

All stands and both Williams tiers will have own food and toilet facilities + Wi-Fi.

Ideas from other football grounds – notably Wolves [action 16 March]. Ricoh cited as bad example.

The team is visiting Wolves, Brighton and at least two others to talk with their equivalent teams.

Away fans will be in corner of Atyeo and club needs a secure plan to conduct them in and out of ground.

(away fans were that end in the past)

Coloured lighting can be used extensively to prepare the stadium separately for football and rugby.

Bayern Munich was cited as a good example.

Development previously piecemeal – chance now to tie whole together – the concourse idea helps in this respect.

Car spaces now 450 must be maintained.

Entrances will be properly designed.

[Spike]

There was a suggestion of saving the memorial gates because the memorial ground will be knocked down, I liked this sentiment and wondered if the club didn't like the idea of doing this if it was possible to create a brand new memorial at Ashton Gate, it would be a great gesture to allof those who lost family and it would bring a nice sense of community to Ashton Gate. I really can't see what would be wrong with this being added into plans.

[cider head]

The club has now arranged a meeting to invite Existing Wedlock/EE Stand fans to meet with architects
to see the presentation and to give ideas over, via verbal or printed paper for them to take away

or just to see what they have so far come up with, it is a chance to have your say in the redevelopment.

I am writing to confirm that the next meeting of the stadium redevelopment working party will be on

Thursday 21st March in the Boardroom Club.

There will be 3 meetings that night and the EE meeting starts at 8.20pm

8.20pm – Existing Wedlock Stand fans meet with architects

It says Existing but other fans can join in who have an interest or opinion in the EE

Please put this date in your diary.

[SDBS36]

More leg room in the Dolman, sit in row K & no leg room

[cider head]

These posted on facebook & ziderheads as basic idea, thoughts?

I will point out that this is fans idea's and not any official drawing but still worth a look

[Cowshed]

Ciderhead.

That top image should have its own thread for discussion.

It appears to be a lot larger than the capacity stated the possible re-developed stand design will be.

[cider head]

Ciderhead.

That top image should have its own thread for discussion.

It appears to be a lot larger than the capacity stated the possible re-developed stand design will be.

I have noticed in Blagdon Mike's post about capacity and then the printed off sheet last night for suggestions had the word ''estimated'' added so still none the wiser on a few basic questions one being roof heights and boxes etc (words used possibly) but i hope things are still a blank canvas and subject to change and not just the cosmetic decorating.

[Cowshed]

Ciderhead its a interesting idea, and has a relevent concept, but due to height restrictions and limitations on footprint it is far too large for the site.

[SecretSam]

Its a shame we cant do something with the Atyeo, it is such a poor stand.

What's wrong with the Atyeo? Don't sit in it too often, usually in Dolman when I go to AG. I like the Dolman, fab view but agree it's too cramped (and I've got ridiculously short legs)

[Avalanche]

This is fantatsic to see - the consultation seems to have covered most of my concerns. I really hope that we decide to stay at our home and don't move to a soulless bowl. A new ground does not guarantee success.

[cider head]

Ciderhead its a interesting idea, and has a relevent concept, but due to height restrictions and limitations on footprint it is far too large for the site.

At a guess the williams side won't far off by it saying it will be a 2 tier stand with boxes and moved over slightly, the others 2 stands it could be scaled slightly smaller? but as stated in another thread the dolman side could well need the height for what is under it, i think the dolman won't be far off that due to the restructured seating plan but it is what happens behind the goal that counts for some and that pic is not far off the relevent concept in look and feel, it's tweakable.

I feel it is doable and would appease some concerns.

The corners of the atyeo could be filled in for corporate function rooms, smaller seating plan, family area or better facilities for the disabled, tv screens, corner boxes or supporters club bars just to enclose it in..

The new shop and wedlock bar etc can still be at the back of the new EE in the corner of the new EE/williams, i'm just not a fan of boxes in a traditional behind the goal stand, this area can be modern in some facilities but still keep a traditional feel.

[Cowshed]

At a guess the williams side won't far off by it saying it will be a 2 tier stand with boxes and moved over slightly, the others 2 stands it could be scaled slightly smaller? but as stated in another thread the dolman side could well need the height for what is under it, i think the dolman won't be far off that due to the restructured seating plan but it is what happens behind the goal that counts for some and that pic is not far off the relevent concept in look and feel, it's tweakable.

I feel it is doable and would appease some concerns.

The corners of the atyeo could be filled in for corporate function rooms, smaller seating plan, family area or better facilities for the disabled, tv screens, corner boxes or supporters club bars just to enclose it in..

The new shop and wedlock bar etc can still be at the back of the new EE in the corner of the new EE/williams, i'm just not a fan of boxes in a traditional behind the goal stand, this area can be modern in some facilities but still keep a traditional feel.

The image would be more relevent shown with around 5000 seats, instead of Kop sized.

[SaltfordRed]

I like the idea of a 'Kop' style Eastend. It would be a completely different era of the EE, and would be completely different, but hopefully we'd still be able to keep the atmosphere and some of the originality.

It seems to me that the club are really listening to us, and atmosphere and originality are top on the clubs list. Onwards and upwards.

[Cider red]

Agree with the above. Just hope the club really does listen to the fans and puts all the boxes in the new williams.

[Blagdon Mike]

You can give us your 'Wish List' before the match this Saturday in the Dolman Hall and in the Supporters Bar.

You can pick up sheets and return them to the Winterstoke Road car park programme kiosk.

Please do not miss this chance!

These are ideas I have collected so far - some are mine, I won't say which! :

Williams iconic feature

• Red brick - originally suggested for AV to mirror local warehouses, but expensive and later adjusted to brick at lower level only. Red brick between glass panes on Williams can be carved into portraits of past players or a Bristol panorama or both. The ornamentation can be produced at the building stage and given a final finish when built. Specialist sculptors have been contacted. An enamel mosaic is an alternative.
• The top metal structure supporting the roof could be faced by a railing-type cladding in the form of the suspension bridge from end to end and lit by projected lights as is the real bridge.
• One corner of the stadium could be built higher in the form of a tower with lighthouse type top beaming ‘Bristol City’. This could accommodate police & TV facilities, offices higher up and corporate boxes – corner view being arguably better than the Wedlock.

Flag poles throughout the site

These provide colour and movement and can be changed for special occasions.

Equivalent emblem throughout interior of stadium.

Entrances

Incorporate iconic parts of old Ashton Gate stadium where advantageous.

Incorporate Memorial Gates from memorial Ground if that is wish of Bristol Rugby – they are dedicated to the memory of the rugby players of the city killed during World War 1. The site of the gates should then be expanded to include Bristol City players killed in WW1 and players of both clubs killed in WW2.

Stadium Rooms set aside on permanently or on matchdays where appropriate for:

Elderly peoples lounge – or Senior Reds Lounge

Parents baby changing and feeding area

Supporters Club & Trust cum Bar fit for 21^st century – accessible 24/7 without security

Community Rooms – accessible 24/7 without security

Lifts

For the Williams stand

Big Screens

Capability of showing highlights and screenings of away matches, funded by adverts for events etc

Memorial area for fans

(NB this is partly covered by the names on the Atyeo Statue)

Car parking

• Negotiate Park & Ride for AG as well as AV.
• Use AV for parking - other uses: markets, boot sales, outside exhibitions, car shows, overflow for Balloon Fiesta.
• Underneath stadium – expensive but out of the way – AG will always be enclosed on all sides.
• Alternatively, negotiate to acquire the Winterstoke Road car park and create several levels.

Cover Colliter’s Brook if feasible.

[Cider red]

You can give us your 'Wish List' before the match this Saturday in the Dolman Hall and in the Supporters Bar.

You can pick up sheets and return them to the Winterstoke Road car park programme kiosk.

Please do not miss this chance!

These are ideas I have collected so far - some are mine, I won't say which! :

Williams iconic feature

• Red brick - originally suggested for AV to mirror local warehouses, but expensive and later adjusted to brick at lower level only. Red brick between glass panes on Williams can be carved into portraits of past players or a Bristol panorama or both. The ornamentation can be produced at the building stage and given a final finish when built. Specialist sculptors have been contacted. An enamel mosaic is an alternative.
• The top metal structure supporting the roof could be faced by a railing-type cladding in the form of the suspension bridge from end to end and lit by projected lights as is the real bridge.
• One corner of the stadium could be built higher in the form of a tower with lighthouse type top beaming ‘Bristol City’. This could accommodate police & TV facilities, offices higher up and corporate boxes – corner view being arguably better than the Wedlock.

Flag poles throughout the site

These provide colour and movement and can be changed for special occasions.

Equivalent emblem throughout interior of stadium.

Entrances

Incorporate iconic parts of old Ashton Gate stadium where advantageous.

Incorporate Memorial Gates from memorial Ground if that is wish of Bristol Rugby – they are dedicated to the memory of the rugby players of the city killed during World War 1. The site of the gates should then be expanded to include Bristol City players killed in WW1 and players of both clubs killed in WW2.

Stadium Rooms set aside on permanently or on matchdays where appropriate for:

Elderly peoples lounge – or Senior Reds Lounge

Parents baby changing and feeding area

Supporters Club & Trust cum Bar fit for 21^st century – accessible 24/7 without security

Community Rooms – accessible 24/7 without security

Lifts

For the Williams stand

Big Screens

Capability of showing highlights and screenings of away matches, funded by adverts for events etc

Memorial area for fans

(NB this is partly covered by the names on the Atyeo Statue)

Car parking

• Negotiate Park & Ride for AG as well as AV.
• Use AV for parking - other uses: markets, boot sales, outside exhibitions, car shows, overflow for Balloon Fiesta.
• Underneath stadium – expensive but out of the way – AG will always be enclosed on all sides.
• Alternatively, negotiate to acquire the Winterstoke Road car park and create several levels.

Cover Colliter’s Brook if feasible.

does this mean there would be no boxes at the back of the ee/? if so im all for it

[beaverface]

Agree with the above. Just hope the club really does listen to the fans and puts all the boxes in the new williams.

I've got no problem with boxes at the back of the end stand - so the statement about listening to the fans doesn't apply to me :-)

[cider head]

I've got no problem with boxes at the back of the end stand - so the statement about listening to the fans doesn't apply to me :-)

That depends on what stand you are in now and intend to go in in the future..

Many i have had emails from and those i have spoken to on match days really do not want boxes in the new EE

[beaverface]

That depends on what stand you are in now and intend to go in in the future..

Many i have had emails from and those i have spoken to on match days really do not want boxes in the new EE

That may be true, I'm just making the point that "listening" to fans doesn't necessarily reflect the whole fanbase.

We've seen it before with straw polls on the forum where the opinion online is completely different to that in the real World.

[cider head]

That may be true, I'm just making the point that "listening" to fans doesn't necessarily reflect the whole fanbase.

We've seen it before with straw polls on the forum where the opinion online is completely different to that in the real World.

True, fair enough but that i guess is up to fans to get involved and make their voice heard.

I'm sure as the stadium meetings progress city have said their will be open days etc so i'm sure a wider range of fans

will be given the chance to have a say but only if they want to.

[del ete]

I am all for a return of the buy a brick scheme!!!

[Cider red]

I've got no problem with boxes at the back of the end stand - so the statement about listening to the fans doesn't apply to me :-)

Fair enough. Just out of interest do you go in the ee at the moment? Personally i think boxes would a ruin the look of the ee. And b sanitise the atmos. Just watching the spurs game and they have two rows of boxes in the side stand. Looks like at least 34 in there. Don't see why we cant do something similar!

[beaverface]

Fair enough. Just out of interest do you go in the ee at the moment? Personally i think boxes would a ruin the look of the ee. And b sanitise the atmos. Just watching the spurs game and they have two rows of boxes in the side stand. Looks like at least 34 in there. Don't see why we cant do something similar!

I can't see how boxes will ruin the look of the East End when it's being completely knocked down and re-built from scratch.

Boxes at the back of the stand (not in the middle) should make no difference to the atmosphere one iota. The club are looking to build in the capacity for safe standing, so the boxes shouldn't effect anyones ability to stand, so what's the problem?

At the moment I sit in the Atyeo, but I can't really see what difference that makes.

[Aizoon]

Edible food, please.

Proper Cornish Pasties would be nice. If you want to know how it's done, have a word with BRFC.

[pongo88]

One thing that hasn’t been clarified regarding the refurbishment of the Dolman is what will happen to the roof. At present, if it rains, all those in the lower section get wet. If the wind is blowing in the wrong direction those in the first 7 or 8 rows of the upper section get wet as well. If the pitch is moved by 5m and the lower section extended the problem will get worse.

A new, extended, roof is essential.

[Cider red]

I can't see how boxes will ruin the look of the East End when it's being completely knocked down and re-built from scratch.

Boxes at the back of the stand (not in the middle) should make no difference to the atmosphere one iota. The club are looking to build in the capacity for safe standing, so the boxes shouldn't effect anyones ability to stand, so what's the problem?

At the moment I sit in the Atyeo, but I can't really see what difference that makes.

fair enough your entitled to your opinion, but as someone who goes in the east end regularly now i think boxes would ruin the atmosphere, if you look at most stands that have boxes at the end they have relatively high roofs that let sound out. Imo the complete opposite of what we want, as low as possible roof to help create the kind of atmosphere the east end has at the moment. If you speak to the majority of east enders i beleive they would say something similar.

[finbarr_in_z]

I know this one's a little left field, but...........floodlight pylons please.

Preferably the Scottish style (the frame at the top of the pylon is angled, rather than the lights themselves being angled). We used to have them at the Gate in the 1980's. A great welcoming sight - you can spot grounds from miles away - especially for night time games obviously.

Even better: the lights in each pylon spelling out B.......C.......F.......C

[Son of Fred]

think the Valley is a cracking ground,and wiil be fantastic when the away end is joined with the two stands to make a bowl..steep sided and on top of the pitch-good amo!...if we can get somthing like the Valley would be very nice..

[beaverface]

I know this one's a little left field, but...........floodlight pylons please.

Preferably the Scottish style (the frame at the top of the pylon is angled, rather than the lights themselves being angled). We used to have them at the Gate in the 1980's. A great welcoming sight - you can spot grounds from miles away - especially for night time games obviously.

Even better: the lights in each pylon spelling out B.......C.......F.......C

Pylons would be cool :-)