HUNTINGTON Stadium could be used to help finance a new
community ground for the city of York, writes Steve Carroll.
Simon Wiles, City of York Council's director of resources, revealed he was working to
"certain financial parameters" to see what the authority could potentially give to a new stadium scheme in terms of capital,
revenue and project support.
In a report to a meeting of the Labour group's shadow executive which was discussing the stadium scheme, Wiles wrote: "In doing this work, I am only identifying options that involve use of resources that have not been
generated from council taxpayers and the use of Huntington Stadium or part of its asset value".
After the meeting Wiles said the use of Huntington Stadium was not definite, but "an option we are looking at".
But selling the venue at Monks Cross and combining the value with the equity released at KitKat Crescent would be a way of
raising much of the cash needed to construct a new stadium when an appropriate site is found.
The meeting was attended by
representatives of York City, York City Knights and supporters' groups from the two clubs, including the York Minstermen and Jorvik Reds.
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Both Jason McGill, City
managing director, and Roger Dixon, York City Knights chairman, were united that a new stadium should be for the community as a whole, while Rob McGill, City's business development director, said: "It would be helpful if there was some statement of commitment that was an agreed objective (of the council) that we do want a community stadium."
Dixon added: "As a York man born and bred, my vision is that, whatever is decided, it should be a facility for the city of York - for a city that,
reluctantly, is accepted as the second in the land.
"I think it is a shame, and that's putting it
mildly, that we don't have a facility fitting of European and international stature."
Jason McGill said: "What we are talking about is all parties saying we are not about point scoring', we just need to say we want a community stadium and we are going to help the football club and rugby club to achieve it'."
In his report, Wiles also revealed that consideration had been given to seven potential sites, which were owned by a variety of freeholders and
leaseholders.
David Scott, Labour leader, said he had been "impressed" by the passion and commitment and the desire to work together, adding that his party would ask the
council's executive to "act with all urgency" to work for a community facility for the city.
Have your say
Would you back the sale of Huntington Stadium to provide a new facility?
Posted by: goliath246, York on 9:50am Thu 1 May 08
Of course.
Council should also involve University who may provide funding in the same way as they have done in Leeds. Local Businesses should also have the balls to get involved. With the exception of a handful of loyal sponsors at both clubs, the rest of the businesses in York are just free-loading cheapskates who, no doubt, will only want to be associated in the future when successful times come along. All for a Community Ground as Long as "the Business Community" for once plays a (financial) part in all of this. (Start with Nestle and see how Community spirited they really are ;)
Of course.
Council should also involve University who may provide funding in the same way as they have done in Leeds. Local Businesses should also have the balls to get involved. With the exception of a handful of loyal sponsors at both clubs, the rest of the businesses in York are just free-loading cheapskates who, no doubt, will only want to be associated in the future when successful times come along. All for a Community Ground as Long as "the Business Community" for once plays a (financial) part in all of this. (Start with Nestle and see how Community spirited they really are ;)
Posted by: not plaggy terry, north yorks on 10:56am Thu 1 May 08
Have they got anyone to buy either site?
A year ago they were sitting on a goldmine, in the current climate, they are sitting on two fields. And everyone knows there is no money in agriculture at the moment...
Have they got anyone to buy either site?
A year ago they were sitting on a goldmine, in the current climate, they are sitting on two fields. And everyone knows there is no money in agriculture at the moment...
as a non york resident but an avid knights supporter id just like to support goliaths post
whole heartedly, the large buisness conglomerates who trade under the great city of york name should be ashamed of themselves, and you as the voice of the people of york should name and shame these companies and yes goliath cheapskates describes them perfectly
as a non york resident but an avid knights supporter id just like to support goliaths post
whole heartedly, the large buisness conglomerates who trade under the great city of york name should be ashamed of themselves, and you as the voice of the people of york should name and shame these companies and yes goliath cheapskates describes them perfectly
So looks like it will end up a football/rugby pitch probably with a running track round...everything most fans didnt want...but I suppose it is better than no ground at all!!
It is a pity that York council only want to avoid the cost ......perhaps if they didnt claim expenses for a few years we could build a stadium without increasing rates
So looks like it will end up a football/rugby pitch probably with a running track round...everything most fans didnt want...but I suppose it is better than no ground at all!!
It is a pity that York council only want to avoid the cost ......perhaps if they didnt claim expenses for a few years we could build a stadium without increasing rates
Posted by: Tonyone, Residing in Huntington on 11:54am Thu 1 May 08
Something odd is going on. No proposals for a new stadium for years then a few weeks ago a team of surveyors surveyed all of the fields surrounding Huntington Stadium but for what reason?
I believe we are all being lead by the nose. The things we are discussing are already history.
I think that we are being prepared not for the SALE of Huntington Stadium, but for a massive re-developement of it.
Something odd is going on. No proposals for a new stadium for years then a few weeks ago a team of surveyors surveyed all of the fields surrounding Huntington Stadium but for what reason?
I believe we are all being lead by the nose. The things we are discussing are already history.
I think that we are being prepared not for the SALE of Huntington Stadium, but for a massive re-developement of it.
Posted by: goliath246, York on 12:14pm Thu 1 May 08
Redevelopment is probably an option I'd support although would prefer to be more central to York centre. 1/ Probably cheaper 2/ Should be a lot quicker. (and that is key).
Infrastructure at Huntingdon is not bad but needs modernisation + 4 stands (closer to the pitch). Tag on a Sports education centre and it could get central govt funding (+ cash out of York Uni (ref:Carnegie)). I believe the RFL also provide grants if I'm not mistaken so someone needs to look into this. One final word on this. With the businesses we have in York combined with the size of the population we MUST seriously be thinking of Super League for the next 2012/13 licence window otherwise this is all a waste of time and money. It IS achievable if we all (the people, the Council AND most importantly the Business Community of York) act together and act quickly. THIS IS NOT BLUE SKIES AND RAINBOWS and the sooner we all start thinking that way, the sooner we can achieve something very special for everybody's benefit.
COME ON YORK...BELIEVE IN YOIURSELVES
Redevelopment is probably an option I'd support although would prefer to be more central to York centre. 1/ Probably cheaper 2/ Should be a lot quicker. (and that is key).
Infrastructure at Huntingdon is not bad but needs modernisation + 4 stands (closer to the pitch). Tag on a Sports education centre and it could get central govt funding (+ cash out of York Uni (ref:Carnegie)). I believe the RFL also provide grants if I'm not mistaken so someone needs to look into this. One final word on this. With the businesses we have in York combined with the size of the population we MUST seriously be thinking of Super League for the next 2012/13 licence window otherwise this is all a waste of time and money. It IS achievable if we all (the people, the Council AND most importantly the Business Community of York) act together and act quickly. THIS IS NOT BLUE SKIES AND RAINBOWS and the sooner we all start thinking that way, the sooner we can achieve something very special for everybody's benefit.
COME ON YORK...BELIEVE IN YOIURSELVES
Posted by: upthecity, northallerton on 1:03pm Thu 1 May 08
a move to huntington stadium would all but be the end of york city fc and the majority of YCFC fans know that. the stadium needs to be centrally located, preferably without a running track.
a move to huntington stadium would all but be the end of york city fc and the majority of YCFC fans know that. the stadium needs to be centrally located, preferably without a running track.
Goliath 246 comments appall me
I am in business in York and to accuse York business of not assisting is rubbish. WE have NOT been asked to support a community stadium only YCfc which is frankly not everyones cup of tea as can be seen by the pathetically low numbers of supporters each week.
So when we are asked to support a community stadium and there is then no response then you can complain and not until then.
Comments like the above are perfect to put business off supporting these things
Goliath 246 comments appall me
I am in business in York and to accuse York business of not assisting is rubbish. WE have NOT been asked to support a community stadium only YCfc which is frankly not everyones cup of tea as can be seen by the pathetically low numbers of supporters each week.
So when we are asked to support a community stadium and there is then no response then you can complain and not until then.
Comments like the above are perfect to put business off supporting these things
Posted by: LEAM DAVE, leamington spa on 1:54pm Thu 1 May 08
[quote][bold]upthecity[/bold] wrote:
a move to huntington stadium would all but be the end of york city fc and the majority of YCFC fans know that. the stadium needs to be centrally located, preferably without a running track. [/quote] Definately agree with this. The rugby moving from clarence street all but killed them off and YCFC moving out of town WILL KILL THEM OFF.
upthecity wrote:
a move to huntington stadium would all but be the end of york city fc and the majority of YCFC fans know that. the stadium needs to be centrally located, preferably without a running track.
Definately agree with this. The rugby moving from clarence street all but killed them off and YCFC moving out of town WILL KILL THEM OFF.
Someone who was at yesterday's meeting told me, everyone there was agreed that a stadium for both the football and rugby clubs would [bold]NOT[/bold] have a running track around it.
Also, all were agreed that the small attendances that both clubs currently get is not an issue, since the hope is for a [bold]COMMUNITY[/bold] stadium with all sorts of facilities to be used by many many more people than would ever come through the turnstiles on a Saturday or Sunday (or whatever other day as dictated by Setanta TV).
The hope is that this will create all sorts of new revenue for both clubs, as well as releasing them from the financial burdens they currently carry, freeing them both to try and improve the quality of players they sign and develop, and the qulity of entertainment they offer.
Things are never as simple as that in real life of course, but the point is that the two clubs and elements of the council are at last talking the same language, pushing for the same things and beginning to develop a strategy for impoving both clubs and providing a civic stadium of which York can be proud, and which will be for everyone, not just the two professional clubs.
If such a stadium proves capable of attracting, say, some big music stars to perform in York, many York businesses will be falling over each other in the rush to benefit from extra visitors to the city, so it's only fair they put something into it at the outset.
Someone who was at yesterday's meeting told me, everyone there was agreed that a stadium for both the football and rugby clubs would NOT have a running track around it.
Also, all were agreed that the small attendances that both clubs currently get is not an issue, since the hope is for a COMMUNITY stadium with all sorts of facilities to be used by many many more people than would ever come through the turnstiles on a Saturday or Sunday (or whatever other day as dictated by Setanta TV).
The hope is that this will create all sorts of new revenue for both clubs, as well as releasing them from the financial burdens they currently carry, freeing them both to try and improve the quality of players they sign and develop, and the qulity of entertainment they offer.
Things are never as simple as that in real life of course, but the point is that the two clubs and elements of the council are at last talking the same language, pushing for the same things and beginning to develop a strategy for impoving both clubs and providing a civic stadium of which York can be proud, and which will be for everyone, not just the two professional clubs.
If such a stadium proves capable of attracting, say, some big music stars to perform in York, many York businesses will be falling over each other in the rush to benefit from extra visitors to the city, so it's only fair they put something into it at the outset.
[quote][bold]upthecity[/bold] wrote:
a move to huntington stadium would all but be the end of york city fc and the majority of YCFC fans know that. the stadium needs to be centrally located, preferably without a running track. [/quote] Yes - but where? There are only two possible (new) sites. One is the spare land behind the station and the second is Simbalk Lane. They should have built on Hungate - but that is now a non runner.
Problems. Station: Too small really and no parking, but the only central location that could be built on without objection.
Simbalk Lane: Residents would complain bitterly and kill it stone dead, however that has good transport links.
No. These things won't happen. Huntington Stadium will be given a new stand a lick of paint and York City will be stuck there forever . The only other alternative is somewhere in Clifton and that would be just as bad!
upthecity wrote:
a move to huntington stadium would all but be the end of york city fc and the majority of YCFC fans know that. the stadium needs to be centrally located, preferably without a running track.
Yes - but where? There are only two possible (new) sites. One is the spare land behind the station and the second is Simbalk Lane. They should have built on Hungate - but that is now a non runner.
Problems. Station: Too small really and no parking, but the only central location that could be built on without objection.
Simbalk Lane: Residents would complain bitterly and kill it stone dead, however that has good transport links.
No. These things won't happen. Huntington Stadium will be given a new stand a lick of paint and York City will be stuck there forever . The only other alternative is somewhere in Clifton and that would be just as bad!
Posted by: Monkey, Newcastle on 3:03pm Thu 1 May 08
[quote][bold]Pedro wrote:[/bold] Yes - but where? There are only two possible (new) sites. One is the spare land behind the station and the second is Simbalk Lane. They should have built on Hungate - but that is now a non runner.[/quote]
I thought that the Nestle site was the front runner? Or the British Sugar site?
Pedro wrote: Yes - but where? There are only two possible (new) sites. One is the spare land behind the station and the second is Simbalk Lane. They should have built on Hungate - but that is now a non runner.
I thought that the Nestle site was the front runner? Or the British Sugar site?
Posted by: not plaggy terry, north yorks on 5:57pm Thu 1 May 08
I hope the clubs have noticed what a ###### state Wigan Athletic's pitch is in with all those fat egg-chasers on it. Although it probably wouldn't make much difference to City at the moment.
I hope the clubs have noticed what a ###### state Wigan Athletic's pitch is in with all those fat egg-chasers on it. Although it probably wouldn't make much difference to City at the moment.
Posted by: I remember Tommy Forgan, Lancashire on 7:08pm Thu 1 May 08
Some of us have previously expressed concern about the state that the pitch would get into if it was used for rugby as well as football but even so I think a joint (and community) stadium is the only way forward.
Wigan's pitch is a mess and so is Stockport County's - they share with Sale Sharks - but apparently Huddersfield and Hull have fared better, probably as a result of the revolutionary type of grass (partly synthetic) that they have used (and it actually rains a lot less in Yorkshire than it does over here - fact).
It just needs the right sort of research to be done first. If Hull City can reach the brink of the Premier League after playing on a shared pitch why can't York City? (okay, okay, one step at a time)
Some of us have previously expressed concern about the state that the pitch would get into if it was used for rugby as well as football but even so I think a joint (and community) stadium is the only way forward.
Wigan's pitch is a mess and so is Stockport County's - they share with Sale Sharks - but apparently Huddersfield and Hull have fared better, probably as a result of the revolutionary type of grass (partly synthetic) that they have used (and it actually rains a lot less in Yorkshire than it does over here - fact).
It just needs the right sort of research to be done first. If Hull City can reach the brink of the Premier League after playing on a shared pitch why can't York City? (okay, okay, one step at a time)
All you rugby and fotball fans take a step back for one moment. Think of the athletics club. We do not wish to run round a football pitch, and you certainly do not want us throwing hammers onto the playing surface.
Five minutes ago the council were endorsing the propect of Huntington Stadium being used as a training facility for athletes coming for the 2012 olympics.
Nothing against York City and the Knights, but why aren't us ath;etes included in discussions. We have over 500 competing members, City of York AC athletes, U13 to U20, compete in National Premier Leagues, and our senior athletes are one rung lower down. Sounds a bit more successful than other teams in this debate.
Also, Huntington Stadium is the only "tartan" track in North Yorkshire.
Yes, the council should spend some dosh on sport in York, but athletics and balls games don't mix. You have a new stadium for football ad rugby, but leave, in fact develop, Huntington Stadium for us, please.
All you rugby and fotball fans take a step back for one moment. Think of the athletics club. We do not wish to run round a football pitch, and you certainly do not want us throwing hammers onto the playing surface.
Five minutes ago the council were endorsing the propect of Huntington Stadium being used as a training facility for athletes coming for the 2012 olympics.
Nothing against York City and the Knights, but why aren't us ath;etes included in discussions. We have over 500 competing members, City of York AC athletes, U13 to U20, compete in National Premier Leagues, and our senior athletes are one rung lower down. Sounds a bit more successful than other teams in this debate.
Also, Huntington Stadium is the only "tartan" track in North Yorkshire.
Yes, the council should spend some dosh on sport in York, but athletics and balls games don't mix. You have a new stadium for football ad rugby, but leave, in fact develop, Huntington Stadium for us, please.
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