Brandywell Stadium Development

[Neutrino]

I don't have an awful lot of faith in the Executive releasing money for the remainder of the Mark Farren.

In the meantime, would there be any merit in getting the drawings and planning process started for any development for a Showgrounds end stand? At least then, any objections could be dealt with early on.

I can see that stand being completed before the Mark Farren.

Given that the club has submitted a business case would suggest that the money has already been released, its now down to Dept officials to decide on where that money goes & how much

The Stomont stadia money is definitely there, and has sat ring-fenced and unallocated for a decade now. The challenge is that they've had a hell of a lot of applications for what is a fairly small sum in comparison. £36m won't deliver much, compared to what it would've over a decade ago.

I'm hopeful that we'll get something, but it may not be the full amount we need. I also wonder/worry if the new North Stand will work against us, as it undermines the argument that we are operating at full capacity so need the Stormont cash.

A guy on the Irish League Forum has said the Minister will aoparently be making an announceemnt on it all at the end of next week. Fongers crossed that we get some good news out of it.

Can't remember where i read this but i think the gist was that building the new stand will work in our favour as it shows we are not sitting around waiting with our hands out...that being proactive with the stadium will increase our chances of further funding.

[dcfc_jp_1989]

I don't have an awful lot of faith in the Executive releasing money for the remainder of the Mark Farren.

In the meantime, would there be any merit in getting the drawings and planning process started for any development for a Showgrounds end stand? At least then, any objections could be dealt with early on.

I can see that stand being completed before the Mark Farren.

Given that the club has submitted a business case would suggest that the money has already been released, its now down to Dept officials to decide on where that money goes & how much

The Stomont stadia money is definitely there, and has sat ring-fenced and unallocated for a decade now. The challenge is that they've had a hell of a lot of applications for what is a fairly small sum in comparison. £36m won't deliver much, compared to what it would've over a decade ago.

I'm hopeful that we'll get something, but it may not be the full amount we need. I also wonder/worry if the new North Stand will work against us, as it undermines the argument that we are operating at full capacity so need the Stormont cash.

A guy on the Irish League Forum has said the Minister will aoparently be making an announceemnt on it all at the end of next week. Fongers crossed that we get some good news out of it.

The current fund is being priortised to performance clubs & the North stand is likely to work in our favour as I've also read that they're looking to see what clubs are doing themselves to improve their facilities

[doll]

Any pics for those who don't have 'bakebook'?

[rodgers]

Thanks for the replies. You all have more optimism in Stormont than I do and I hope to see the stand completed. I take it from the replies that the answer to the actual question I asked though is "yes".

[marcoloco]

Thanks for the replies. You all have more optimism in Stormont than I do and I hope to see the stand completed. I take it from the replies that the answer to the actual question I asked though is "yes".

The MF stand is happening. Sub-regional develpment funding window needs to open (happening this year) then we should get confirmation for funds.

[Marty]

Thanks for the replies. You all have more optimism in Stormont than I do and I hope to see the stand completed. I take it from the replies that the answer to the actual question I asked though is "yes".

The MF stand is happening. Sub-regional develpment funding window needs to open (happening this year) then we should get confirmation for funds.

why are you so confident?

[Keyser Soze]

Let's hope the new stand is Éowyn proof.

[marcoloco]

Thanks for the replies. You all have more optimism in Stormont than I do and I hope to see the stand completed. I take it from the replies that the answer to the actual question I asked though is "yes".

The MF stand is happening. Sub-regional develpment funding window needs to open (happening this year) then we should get confirmation for funds.

why are you so confident?

It's long time coming but i'm confident the funding pot will be shared out in 2025. All the signals are pointing to that happening soon. Derry will get the money owed to them and the Stand (which already has all the permissions in place) will get delivered.

[Greengo]

Great to see all this development around the pitch but the elephant in the room is the fecking pitch

[magspat]

Did the club make any announcements about the new stand when it will be ready,Some I know making a delivery to the stand on Wednesday workman told him it would be ready I 3 weeks

[dcfc_jp_1989]

Did the club make any announcements about the new stand when it will be ready,Some I know making a delivery to the stand on Wednesday workman told him it would be ready I 3 weeks

Club sent an email to those who are due to get season tickets in it (those who were moved from blocks K,L,M to the terracing last season) stating that they hope it to be ready very early in the 2025 season, it will involve a reduced capacity until the club are granted their safety certificate & anyone due a season ticket for it will be given a match to match ticket during the testing period

[Keyser Soze]

Great to see all this development around the pitch but the elephant in the room is the fecking pitch

I get the vibe this might be the last season of the plastic.

I just think it will come to a head, and POD will sort something, probably at his own expense again.

[magspat]

We depend a lot on POD to pay for everything what about the supporters contributing towards grass pitch.

[Keyser Soze]

We depend a lot on POD to pay for everything what about the supporters contributing towards grass pitch.

We do yes, and POD could never receive enough thanks for all that he does for the club.

But not sure how you'd organise it for the fans to pay for the pitch. Who exactly are 'the fans?'. Season ticket holders? Or the 4000 who sell out the Brandywell? Or the 20000 who went to Dublin to the Cup Final? Ask everyone to contribute to a fund for the pitch and you'll get most who won't contribute. That's simply the way it would pan out.

And don't forget, if grass is relaid on the main pitch, then new astro will probably need relaid in the showgrounds (the way it should have always been done to begin with).

So at a guess, you'd have to say the cost of all this would likely be another £1mill at least.

[marcoloco]

We depend a lot on POD to pay for everything what about the supporters contributing towards grass pitch.

We do yes, and POD could never receive enough thanks for all that he does for the club.

But not sure how you'd organise it for the fans to pay for the pitch. Who exactly are 'the fans?'. Season ticket holders? Or the 4000 who sell out the Brandywell? Or the 20000 who went to Dublin to the Cup Final? Ask everyone to contribute to a fund for the pitch and you'll get most who won't contribute. That's simply the way it would pan out.

And don't forget, if grass is relaid on the main pitch, then new astro will probably need relaid in the showgrounds (the way it should have always been done to begin with).

So at a guess, you'd have to say the cost of all this would likely be another £1mill at least.

What to support the club financially then buy a season ticket and merchandise. That’s more than enough. There’s also volunteering if you’ve the time & energy. It’s a Council facility so too complex an issue to try and get involved.

[magspat]

POD doesn't shy away even it is a council owned pitch.

[marcoloco]

Exactly. I’d say leave those issues to POD & the Council.

[Marty]

We’ve left it to the council and that hasn’t exactly worked out.

I don’t know why public pressure isn’t out on them to stop f**king us over.

[magspat]

Marcoloco it just the same old same old dont ask me to just leave it to some else to sort out just dont ask me to contribute

[marcoloco]

The pitch issue is a complex and sensitive issue between the Club and Council. It’s not straightforward at all. POD had already offered to replace it and that offer was not taken up in the short term due to other community groups and clubs using it. So it’s an issue I’d probably avoid in the short term until something is work out.