Wessex Delivery LLP is in discussions with Weymouth Football Club, and other key stakeholders,surrounding the potential relocation of Weymouth Football Club’s Bob Lucas Stadium. This will be enabled through the redevelopment of the existing Wessex Grounds.
Members of the public are now being invited to attend two public consultations before the formal planning process begins to give feedback on the initial plans and learn more about the benefits of both schemes.
The first event is to be held on Monday 3rd December 2012 between 4.30pm and 7.00pm at The Rembrandt Hotel and focuses on the proposed new stadium scheme. The second event on Wednesday 5th December 2012 is at St Aldhelm’s Church Centre, between 4.30pm and 7.00pm, and will focus on the plans for the existing Wessex Stadium site.
The team of experienced professionals surrounding the project will be on hand at both events to explain the plans and answer any questions.
Following the events, comments will be welcomed until 11.00pm Sunday 9thDecember 2012 when all feedback will be collated and any appropriate amendments made prior to the formal planning applications submitted. Once the applications are made to the local authority, there will be a further consultation exercise carried out by the local planning department as part of the statutory process. There will therefore be opportunity for all interested parties to communicate their views.
Duncan Johnston from Wessex Delivery LLP says: “In light of the 2012 Olympic Games, it is hoped that a sustainable community stadium will provide a sports legacy for Weymouth. Aside from providing a new sports’ facility, the two schemes will create new job opportunities, both during construction and following completion, and provide support to local businesses. We hope anyone with an interest will come to talk to us at our forthcoming events.”
Response from Weymouth FC
‘Weymouth FC confirms that it has recently held discussions with Wessex Delivery LLP on the subject of moving from the Bob Lucas Stadium to a potential new stadium within the Borough of Weymouth.
The club feels under no compulsion to move from the Bob Lucas Stadium, but must clearly look at any proposals received if they might offer an improvement on the current stadium in terms of community facilities, income producing potential, running costs, and spectator accommodation.
Any proposals made, to meet with the approval of the board, must also provide adequate safeguards on land ownership of the replacement stadium, as the current stadium is unencumbered freehold.
The club has been shown preliminary plans of a stadium that has some attractive features, in a location that appears adequate subject to investigation; but there is a considerable way to go before it can be said that it is a design that the board could recommend; and the club will also need to be satisfied as to the viability of the proposal. However the club remains in negotiation with WDLLP on a number of issues.
The club will not be party to any transaction that does not provide adequate safeguards, but would like to acknowledge that WDLLP are being constructive and proactive in meeting our concerns.
A full and detailed statement will be issued by the club at the appropriate time.
