GREEN LIGHT FOR NEW FOOTBALL STADIUM
www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk
Chesterfield FC's plans to relocate to a new stadium in the Whittington Moor area of the town have been give a big boost with the news that site owners Wilson Bowden are almost ready to move ahead with site development.
It means that planning approval can be sought for the development of the overall 25 acre site on the old A61 Sheffield Road, including approval for the Spireites new stadium, which will occupy 10 acres.
A crucial meeting was held at Chesterfield Town Hall on the 29th March 2007 between the Council, the developers and representatives of Chesterfield Football Club.
The meeting was the latest in a series of meetings held between the parties.
Whilst many details need to remain confidential the Club can confirm the following issues.
Wilson Bowden informed the meeting that the demolition, decontamination and clearance of the site will be completed by the end of May.
Despite previous delays, Wilson Bowden confirmed that a planning application for the 25 acre site, including the football stadium, will be submitted in June 2007.
There is then a statutory sixteen week period for the Council to review the planning application and to consult with the various regulatory bodies, these include the necessary traffic and environmental studies.
The Club is very optimistic that a positive decision will follow in early October 2007.
This will lead to work starting on the new stadium immediately.
With a 12 month build programme the Spireites new 10,000 plus, all-seater football stadium, could be ready for October 2008, only a few months later than previously planned.
Chesterfield chairman Barrie Hubbard said: "I have supported Chesterfield all my life and this is the furthest we have ever got with plans for the future. After a lot of hard work, only a few hurdles now remain before we can move forward to fulfil our dreams of lifting this football club and making it a real asset for the town."
News of progress on the new football stadium also means that discussions regarding new investment, as endorsed at the club's AGM in January, can be progressed.