York City Knights dismay at community stadium stalemate

The Knights have issued an official statement bemoaning the stalemate, saying talks between project partners had broken down with no progress on key issues for “more than two years”.

Club chief John Guildford – who quit a previous project board, claiming it had done nothing but waste taxpayers’ money – wants the venture “resurrected”, but says he cannot commit to joining the new stadium advisory group, which is to meet for the first time next week, until its objectives are made clear.

Meanwhile, City of York Council’s stadium project manager, Tim Atkins, says “considerable progress” has been made, and that moves are afoot to address the rugby club’s concerns.

He has also stated that an “exciting announcement” is due before the New Year, although significant announcements have been promised before without materialising.

The Knights’ statement said: “For over two years, the Knights have tried to progress matters to a suitable conclusion that gave clear answers to the following questions:

• What facilities will be provided?

• What are the sharing arrangements between the two clubs?

• What is the length of the lease?

• What plans are there for a sustainable commercial operation at the stadium?

• What provision is there for training and playing reserve games?

“Unfortunately, City of York Council and York City have been unable to clarify these matters which the Knights consider essential before entering into a binding agreement.

“This failure is frustrating as the original objectives of the project made it clear these were key issues that required consensus:

• Develop a business case for the stadium which provides commercially sustainable facilities and a centre for community activity

• Identify each of the key stakeholders’ needs from the new stadium

• Provide a statement of user requirement to cover both construction of the project as well as its future operating plan

• Produce a memorandum of understanding that all stakeholders agree to setting out how the stakeholders will work together

• Provide consideration of the legal vehicle that will be used to deliver and operate the stadium

• Clarify how the future stadium would operate and how it would be able to improve the trading performance of the clubs.”

The Championship club – who were promoted last season – has, however, moved to allay supporters’ fears over where it will play once its lease on Huntington Stadium expires in two years. The council has done likewise.

Guildford had previously warned the club’s future was in danger if they did not have cast-iron guarantees they would have a home, especially given their current venue might be used as a bargaining chip in any new development.

But the club’s statement said: “Following the stalemate reached between City of York Council, York City and York City Knights on plans for a shared stadium, the Knights can reassure supporters and sponsors their future is secure.

“In a written understanding issued after the breakdown of talks, Coun (Andrew) Waller, the leader of the council, stated, ‘The council will provide the rugby club with the necessary comfort to enable them to comply with Rugby Football League requirements should their lease with Nuffield (which has the Huntington Stadium lease) end or the new community stadium does not materialise.’”

The statement added: “In an attempt to resurrect the stadium project, the council has set up an advisory group to provide structure and transparency. York City Knights are committed to the project and wish to see a successful resolution.”

Stadium tsar Atkins argues progress is being made

YORK’S stadium tsar, Tim Atkins, has refuted suggestions the plans for a new arena are at an impasse.

York City Knights, who are to share the proposed new community stadium with York City, have bemoaned a “breakdown in talks”.

But Atkins, City of York Council’s community stadium project manager, says a new advisory group – different to the old project board as it has cross-party political representation – should move matters forward.

He also says “significant developments” are afoot. This claim, however, has previously been made by various factions without subsequent progress.

Atkins said: “The project has not reached ‘stalemate’ at all.

“In fact, next week (December 15) there is a meeting of the council’s new member advisory group together with the stadium partners at which the considerable progress already made will be discussed.

“We are expecting to make an exciting announcement regarding the progress of this project before the end of the year.

“The meeting will also be looking at the way forward to address many of the points expressed by Mr Guildford and I hope he will be able to attend.”

Guildford quit the old project board claiming it “did nothing but waste taxpayers’ money”.

Atkins said: “To our disappointment, Mr Guildford has been unable to attend our project meetings since July and that might explain why he appears unaware of the latest significant developments.

“Finally, on the question of assurances and perceived threats to the future of York City Knights, I want to make it clear at no point in this process has the council ever given the Knights any cause to be concerned about their future.

“The council has always given solid assurances that whatever happens with the stadium project, the Knights would always be provided with a satisfactory home to play their matches.”

City and athletics respond to latest

YORK City and City of York Athletics Club have responded to York City Knights’ statement.

City’s communications and community director Sophie Hicks said: “The community stadium is progressing and we are looking forward to attending a meeting next week to take things further.

“We hope John Guildford (Knights chief) will also attend, as this meeting will allow him to pose any questions he has to the advisory group.

“All parties involved want the same thing, which is to see sport in York improve and prosper.

“There needs to be a true partnership involving ourselves, City of York Council, York City Knights and City of York Athletics Club to realise this stadium for the benefit of the community.”

Neil Hunter, chairman of the athletics club, which shares Huntington Stadium with the Knights, said: “I believe good progress is being made and a lot has already been achieved.

“At the moment the project concerns City and the Knights more than us as we might be moving to new facilities at York University, although there might yet be an option for us to be involved in the new stadium.”