The Masterplan

[SaffronIron]

A very long time reader and a first time contributor to the Message Board.

Putting aside the shambles on the pitch and the evident need to make a change in the dugout (another limp and tactically inept showing yesterday), I wanted to set out my thoughts on matters relating to the ground and land.

This is speculation and conjecture (and not a revelation to many) but here goes:

– At the heart of the Swann takeover was the club relocating from GP. This would leave the club able to sell the land at GP for commercial uses and develop a more sustainable business at a new stadium. The Swann overspend pushing for the Champ was originally based on this happening.

– The Lincs Lakes project and free/low cost land for a new stadium and associated facilities fell through and has ultimately led to a huge cost cutting exercise in the playing squad and a change in strategy off the pitch to help the Chairman recover his initial outlay.

– GP and the associated land has now been transferred to Chairman in a perfect storm of COVID and dwindling performances on the now lease the land were made abundantly clear in early 2021.

– A new vehicular access from the ground to the newly downgraded A1077 (former M181) has been muted several times by the Chairman in order to allow swift access for the throngs of fans attending games. It is important to note that if a new access is successfully delivered this will further increase the value of the land at GP.

– The Chairman has also mused over the club’s outdated and poor training facilities (not disagreeing with this) and the need to find a new facility out of town. If this came off this would leave the current training pitch redundant and potentially served by a new access directly off the A1077 (see above). The land will be prime to be sold/leased for commercial uses. What are the timescales for this and where will the proceeds go?

– Land at the current car park has outline planning permission for residential flats. Assuming a development partner/buyer for the land is found, as the land is no longer with the club does Coolsilk pocket the proceeds to further recover costs? What are the timescales?

– The most recent comments from the Chairman indicate that the ground and associated land was always going to be transferred back to the club. The timeframe for this and the amount of land left over is TBC and a key issue moving forward?

Again, the above is pure speculation, but has some basic business/land use logic behind it. It is a perfectly sound plan in many ways, but it is far from clear what the Chairman’s overall vision is and what the club would be left with in terms of assets and revenue. This then comes back to the problem of communication and openness from the current club hierarchy (it’s possible to set out an overarching vision without giving out commercial sensitives)

If the intentions are anything like as set out above, a high level and indicative Masterplan could be published by the club (which also shows the mysterious and long awaited ground improvements) without revealing any commercial sensitivities. Importantly there needs to be some timescales attached to any Masterplan – this will assist with fans/the community understanding when ambitions for improvements on the pitch can be raised (new revenue may arise – if indeed the money is invested/goes to the club!).

Hopefully at the upcoming meetings with the club pertinent questions can be asked. Matters on the pitch and the League position make getting answers on the above even more important.

Cheers and up the iron!

[alcazar]

Can’t disagree with any of the above.
I do think another exit onto the now downgraded M181 is a non starter, since it would require another roundabout….unless they envisage it being one way only.
And looking at the retail park opposite, that is still appallingly laid out, has only one access road and regularly gridlocks…and has been so for over ten years. Despite the landowner snd NLC both having been approached regularly.
Last comment: under normal circumstances Swann would look to sell his vision, aspirations etc via the local press.
Sadly, Mastermind has fallen out with anyone and everyone that could have been a help.

But hey, he’s an astute businessman, he knows what he’s doing.

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Newburyiron, bartonscorpion, IRONINTHEBLOOD

[Ex Officio]

alcazar wrote:

But hey, he’s an astute businessman, he knows what he’s doing.

Sadly – this may be true.

3 users thanked author for this post.

alcazar, bartonscorpion, IRONINTHEBLOOD

[Northumbiron]

Was at York City’s new LNER Community Stadium last weekend.

Within the complex is – a swimming pool, bowling alley, amusements/soft play area, bar/restaurant, cub shops for both YCFC & York Knights RLFC, library and NHS teaching unit, as well as retail units still to be let out. Adjacent are a sports hall and a number of 4G pitches available for public use.

And that’s National League North! No doubt this is what was envisaged for the Lakes site. This is what will attract the public. Not an old stadium with a wash and brush-up and a few apartments.

Instead of starting low and aiming high Swann has done the opposite. And after falling out with the local council a “community stadium” in Scunthorpe is not very likely.

Get your thinking cap on Peter!

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alcazar, marty303, inspector

[Sanfran49]

How do we get out of this mess ?

Unless the EFL get the loan back we seem to have little movement available regards to bringing new players in who can change the situation but not with our present management.

Several players need paying off, the loanees need to go back and what budget is left needs using but not by the recruitment think tank that has finally delivered what is there now – says it all when people remark that our players can’t pass a ball correctly !!

So how serious is it – well we have all november & december to go before we can approach a club or we have to see what free agents are available.

As I say we need someone who knows what we want as opposed to a manager and chief scout who are on the same page !!

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bartonscorpion

[Iron-awe]

If we replace the word ” plan ” with ” bater ” aren’t the Chairman’s true intentions revealed ?

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alcazar

[alcazar]

NI said:
“Instead of starting low and aiming high Swann has done the opposite. And after falling out with the local council a “community stadium” in Scunthorpe is not very likely.

Get your thinking cap on Peter”

But that would necessitate him admitting he was wrong, out of order, and mending bridges with NLC etc.

Ain’t gonna happen…the man’s ego will prevent it.

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North Lincolnshire Irons, Peter Promise

[cassidystash]

Fallen out with:-
Supporters
Local Council
Local Press

All of whom could have helped him achieve what he (said he) wanted to achieve. Staying onside with some of the players wouldn’t have done any harm either.

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North Lincolnshire Irons, Ferrite, Northumbiron, bartonscorpion, Peter Promise, MK Iron

[Ferrite]

alcazar wrote:

I do think another exit onto the now downgraded M181 is a non starter, since it would require another roundabout….unless they envisage it being one way only.

I assume that’s exactly what the plan would be – like the left-turn-only exit they put in from B&Q onto Donny Road.

[Ferrite]

Sanfran49 wrote:

How do we get out of this mess ?

I would argue that a more diverse boardroom would be a very good place to start.

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Newburyiron, cassidystash, Northumbiron

[Author]

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