Villa Park Redevelopment

[Ads]

It’s beautiful because it’s ours but the day Ellis knocked down the historic stand and replaced it with a bland template stand the ground lost a lot of it mystique and is why I’ve never been vehemently against a new ground elsewhere.

Might be a bit controversial here, but despite the outside of the Trinity looking bland and the fact that nothing new is ever going to look like the old stand, it is easily one of the best parts of the ground - it is fucking massive, three tiered and imposing, the views are great, and - even if it's impossible to get a drink there etc etc - the concourses are pretty spacious,

If you stood on the centre circle and looked at it, you'd think fuck, this is the home of a big club.

Try doing that to two of the other stands.

I agree completely. The Old Trinity was a pokey relic, impressive I'm sure at some point, but it was so small and inadequate next to the Holte. The new North cannot come quick enough.

I guess I'm coming from this angle from my seat, which as much as we can complain about facilities (and they should improve) the majority of the time I'm sat in my seat. That carbuncle I've sat opposite for years coming down is great. The most atmospheric and "proper" ground going will become as you say, more imposing, more atmospheric.

Brighton has great facilities. It's still wank compared to B6.

[Villan82]

The new trinity is very impressive and has aged well. If it had replaced the old witton, and not the majestic old trinity, it would be looked on differently. The only issue is the gaping hole where it meets the current North stand. Can't wait for them to knock down the current North stand, it looks ridiculous now (much as I like the view there)

[Nev]

I've just got back from Villa Park, popped down for the Luke sale.

It being a quiet Saturday I opted for the motorway which affords that neck twisting vista of our ground and beyond, our City, shrouded in mist. Through Spaghetti and onto the Lichfield Road, past the land where The Reservoir and King Edward stood, you can still smell the fags and Mild as you pass. Up Aston Hall Road, twisting and turning past the wonderfully named Electric Avenue, under the Expressway sited just after the "Social", and adjacent the restored Aston Tavern. Turning right at the lights a carpet of stunning autumn leaves covers the lower reaches of Aston Park, with Aston Hall keeping watch above while the Parish Church with its own golden skirt looms on your right before the Holte Pub forces you to choose your direction and gaze at the behemoth that is the bedrock of Villa Park.

I only went to pick up some discounted clobber but the journey was still as thrilling as the day I first went to Villa Park.

We should expect decent facilities, transport and catering and I'm as vocal as anyone about it  but I never want to abandon the things that make our ground what it is, it's quirks, odd features, awkward design and most of all it's location and character.

[Bad English]

Just to please Kippax: "its" (quirks and locations) but that was your phone.

Thank for the marvellously-evocative Emile Zolaesque depiction of your route to B6. I can see it and smell it now.

[Tony Daleys Shorts]

Great description Nev, of the best route into Villa Park. I come in from t’other side these days and it’s no comparison.

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

I just love that walk from Aston Hall Road that Nev describes....the bit by the church when Aston Hall can be seen, the Holte pub and Villa Park behind it gets me every time!
Beautiful!

[olaftab]

Brilliant Nev. Lately the Aston Hall Road approach  has become our regular walk to Villa Park after parking down Long Acre. Never appreciated it till  now with you wonderful description. I will live in that world from now on when we take that walk.

[Simon Page]

The disappointing thing about the Trinity Road is it looks anywhere from bland to hideous from the outside. Could be any business park in any shite town. Of course, we're a football club rather than built-art collective, so could be argued it's not important. But I'd like it to look Holte-ish or old Trinity Style, not least because it fits the area.

Despite that, Villa Park will always be the greatest sports venue on earth, and the approach from either the Expressway or the park is unsurpassed.

[AV82EC]

Not something I thought I’d say but when the BBC ever do a little video article of us they always seem to capture it just right, always give off an air of grandeur you don’t get pretty much anywhere else.

[PeterWithe]

With Everton in the news and  a reporter camped outside their new ground broadcasting, they look to be putting a fair bit of red brick outside it, looks great.

[Billy Walker]

I'd love to see mosaics and stained glass (or some kind of modern version) on the new North Stand and the current Trinity.  In an instant, it would tie the whole stadium together and make it truly "Villa" from every angle and approach.

[Brazilian Villain]

I'd love to see mosaics and stained glass (or some kind of modern version) on the new North Stand and the current Trinity.  In an instant, it would tie the whole stadium together and make it truly "Villa" from every angle and approach.

Agree with this. When I've gone to Villa Park with fans of other teams they usually want a photo with the Holte and the mosaics in the background.

[DB]

Also, surprised Ellis didn't cheap out and go for a two tiered stand like the one opposite.

I dunno, I sit in the top tier and close up it looks shabby. Take the back of the stand when the roof meets, panels are all over the place, it’s not great walking up the stairs too. The owners could have a look at it and do it up.

[Nev]

I don't know if it's a Brummie trait but the things everyone else loves about us, we generally dislike.

Freinds of mine have been in Town today and saw lines of coaches parked up with the passengers enjoying the City Centre, and, I would imagine the German Market, yet ask a Brummie and many will wrinkle their nose.

[pauliewalnuts]

I don't know if it's a Brummie trait but the things everyone else loves about us, we generally dislike.

Freinds of mine have been in Town today and saw lines of coaches parked up with the passengers enjoying the City Centre, and, I would imagine the German Market, yet ask a Brummie and many will wrinkle their nose.

I love it.

I don't have much interest in ever going to it, but it's an example of something which has brought tons of money into the city centre, and which the city has become known for.

I remember a colleague from the peak district telling me how his parents loved their coach trip down to it every year.