The North Stand

[Chipsticks]

The question isn't just "does the North Stand need to be replaced to increase capacity", it is also "does it need to be replaced to improve facilities".

It is a dreadfully outdated stand. I couldn't believe, on the stadium tour, how shabby it is. As for the seating, the views are very good, but if you're over 6 ft tall you will struggle. I couldn't sit comfortably without the back of the seat in front digging into my knees.

If we are going to rebuild to improve facilities, then it obviously makes sense to do so in a way which provides extra capacity if it is needed in the future.

Spot on. It's not necessarily anything to do with capacity and attendance.

[Des Little]

From what I understand, the plan is to upgrade the existing stand, making it wider and improving facilities, as well as incorporating the ticket office, club shop etc.  Decisions like this aren't solely based on increased attendance, its about improving what we currently have...bear in mind that by the time its done, the North Stand will be nearly 40 years old, and that's a lifetime in football.  It has to be done.

[Ads]

You don't build something when the demand already exists, as you will lose out financially.

Better to invest in the team and the stand now. It would a big signal from the club that we are keen about competing by re-building a new stand and spending £25 million on three or four good players.

[Boz]

Aston Villa is a football club first and foremost.

Development of the the team is the priority, as success on the pitch leads to an increase in attendance. Development of the facilities is important but if the team's results are poor, this most important aspect of the club impacts on many other of the club's plans and intentions.

[bertlambshank]

Maybe the regeneration of the area as a whole is what the club is waiting for.There must be grants around if you can make it a job creater.

[Billy Walker]

Aston Villa is a football club first and foremost.

Development of the the team is the priority, as success on the pitch leads to an increase in attendance. Development of the facilities is important but if the team's results are poor, this most important aspect of the club impacts on many other of the club's plans and intentions.

I don't think it's a case of one or the other (invest in the team and then, if there is success, the ground).  The two have to be done in tandem or, at least, planned in tandem.  To grow the club in a sustainable way  you need to focus on all aspects of the club because each different aspect will have an impact on the other (if that makes sense). 

[mrfuse]

I've been in the lower North stand since the away fans were moved and have no complaints. I'm 6ft tall and don't have much difficulties mind you I do stand for a lot of the games when we can.

Perhaps I don't notice that much as I don't use the facilities too often and just enjoy watching football at a reduced price, I would rather keep that than having to pay more money.

[not3bad]

Wonder if safe standing is coming into their thoughts at all when they talk about the North Stand redev.

[Smirker]

Wonder if safe standing is coming into their thoughts at all when they talk about the North Stand redev.

Maybe, but would it not be possible to rebuild with the option of safe standing like they have in Germany? They change between seated and safe standing.

[dave.woodhall]

Wonder if safe standing is coming into their thoughts at all when they talk about the North Stand redev.

Maybe, but would it not be possible to rebuild with the option of safe standing like they have in Germany? They change between seated and safe standing.

You have to be able to use it as seating for UEFA competitions.

[Chris Jameson]

I've only ever sat in the North Stand once, it was horrible. I assume it was designed with midgets in mind.

[PeterWithesShin]

I've only ever sat in the North Stand once, it was horrible. I assume it was designed with midgets in mind.

It's because it's seats bolted onto terracing. The Lower North was never intended to have seats.

[brian green]

I heard an item on the radio a little while ago on a programme about regional investment not football but they quoted the disputed legality under EU law of the subsidized building of the new Bilbao stadium.   The figure of 170 million euros sticks in my mind as the overall cost but I cannot be sure but it certainly was a huge sum.   The focus of the piece was how little the club actually put into the project.   Again my memory of exact proportions are hazy but the central government, the EU, the regional government and the city put up three quarters of the cost.   Can you imagine the response Villa would get if they asked for grants of public money to rebuild Villa Park or even the North Stand.

[villa `cross the mersey]

I am sure Doug can call up some sub-contractors who will undertake the re build ( for cash ) and it can be called "The other Doug Ellis Stand"

[brian green]

Great idea VCTM but Doug is nothing if not trendy.   It would be called The Doug Ellis Experience.