23rd June 2000  

Rejected ground sites revealed!!

The process has been made public in the agenda of Monday night's Policy and Resources Committee, where councillors will be asked to agree that plans to develop Clayton playing fields should be abandoned, in favour of redeveloping Boundary Park as a home for Athletic and the rugby club. The site at Broadway was identified as substantial and more than adequate to accommodate the proposed stadium and ancillary facilities, in the report by Director of Economic Development, Keith Coates. The majority of it is owned by the Council, but a key part is in private ownership, although the sale would not have been a problem. But re-locating the existing playing fields would have cost up to £1 million, and the distance from Boundary Park was likely to upset supporters of both clubs.

The Hollinwood option, bordered by Albert Street and Roman Road, was said to tight, but usable once the gas holder was demolished. It boasted excellent transport links, but council officers warned three acres of privately-owned land which would be required would be difficult to buy, with additional ground treatment works building up to a £2 million price tag. There are now alternative plans to develop the site —which is in an area where grant aid can be secured —as a flagship business park. Despite some access problems, the need to construct a new pitch, and potential planning problems with facilities involving late night use, Boundary Park was the unanimous favourite. The board will now press ahead immediately with the development arrangements.