Villa Park Redevelopment

[Dave P]

If we want to use Reading as a blueprint then, sure, the NEC site is perfect.

[Villan82]

I have read the developments on this thread with interest and still hold to the view that where we have been since 1897 is just about as good a location as we are likely to find.

So, Mr Heck, get cracking on expanding at the Witton end as was planned.

[Kevin Dawson]

I have read the developments on this thread with interest and still hold to the view that where we have been since 1897 is just about as good a location as we are likely to find.

So, Mr Heck, get cracking on expanding at the Witton end as was planned.

I completely agree. After going to Villa Park since 1976, it would be an enormous wrench to leave it for me. I do worry though that we'll be seeing ST price hikes of at least 10% for the next 3-4 years (at least). For the time being, I could afford that, although I recognise that some wouldn't be able to. The time would come when I also would struggle to afford it.
My personal opinion (for what it's worth) is to build a new North Stand, look at extending the Witton Lane Stand, and also look at the feasibility of building the Holte End over Trinity Road, and putting another level on it.
I clearly recognise though that there are significant transport issues.

[Villan82]

Kevin, I agree 110%. It's the obvious way forward (North first, and then and Witton, at least) and gets us to 55,000-60,000 without all the problems of a new build.

[chrisw1]

Whilst I'm all for getting the North done, it's not as easy saying 'Witton next.'  Knocking down c 100 houses will never be easy in terms of morality and community relations foremost, but also consent cost and timescale.
   

[VillaTim]

Kevin, I agree 110%. It's the obvious way forward (North first, and then and Witton, at least) and gets us to 55,000-60,000 without all the problems of a new build.

It's obvious what most Villa fans want , but the decision won't be based on what we want.

[Malandro]

Kevin, I agree 110%. It's the obvious way forward (North first, and then and Witton, at least) and gets us to 55,000-60,000 without all the problems of a new build.

I think a new stadium would be far easier. If they can find a place to build one.

[Dante Lavelli]

Kevin, I agree 110%. It's the obvious way forward (North first, and then and Witton, at least) and gets us to 55,000-60,000 without all the problems of a new build.

I think a new stadium would be far easier. If they can find a place to build one.

Yeah, me too.  You’d maintain revenue levels whilst it is being built, which could be crucial for FFP.

[Richard]

It's not just ST price hikes. £63 for Man U on a Sunday at 4.30 in February is sadly a bridge too far for me.

[Brazilian Villain]

Kevin, I agree 110%. It's the obvious way forward (North first, and then and Witton, at least) and gets us to 55,000-60,000 without all the problems of a new build.

I think a new stadium would be far easier. If they can find a place to build one.

Easy, I've identified the perfect location in B6.

[Chris Harte]

There is one thought I've had.

While I've previously said you'd have to be barmy to think the club are moving, I happen to know there is a housing estate near to central Brum that the council, according to concerned locals, want to tear down and replace with posh appartments and the like.

Now, I don't know how well founded these fears are, but if the council now find themselves bankrupt then maybe they'd be open to an offer from a sporting institution for the land. Flattening the whole estate, which the last time I looked had a fair amount of greenery, would provide an area with a circular footprint with a radius of at least 190 metres (I checked on Google Earth, of course) which is comparable to Wembley stadium.

The location would be close to Five Ways station, close to Broad Street and about a ten minute walk from town.

And having written this, I really hope the club aren't planning to move there.

Chris, are you talking about the area in between St. Vincent Street/Gilby road/Browning street? If so it will take heaven and earth to move out the residents, and why should they? There are now living in prime land and if they did agree to move it will be expensive for the council or another body.

Hi Olaftab, that was exactly where I was thinking.

I imagine a fair proportion of the residents there are council tenants, and from the stuff I've seen online, they seem/seemed very concerned that they'd be moved on without being given the choice to stay.

All that said, it's been pointed out that the lack of motorway access and the regular gridlocks there would make it an unattractive, and so unlikely, option for the club.

I will admit that when I was in my 20s I'd have loved the option to leave the match and find myself on Broad Street within five minutes. But a move from our current home is not for me.

[Malandro]

Kevin, I agree 110%. It's the obvious way forward (North first, and then and Witton, at least) and gets us to 55,000-60,000 without all the problems of a new build.

I think a new stadium would be far easier. If they can find a place to build one.

Easy, I've identified the perfect location in B6.

It’s a difficult one.

If we are serious about competing at the top. A move and new stadium might be required.

[VillaTim]

It's not just ST price hikes. £63 for Man U on a Sunday at 4.30 in February is sadly a bridge too far for me.

zone 1 is £68 !!

[Gareth]

It's not just ST price hikes. £63 for Man U on a Sunday at 4.30 in February is sadly a bridge too far for me.

And that’s exactly where we are heading, they will test ST prices and match day prices, if a couple of thousand don’t renew due to the prices they’ll test the waiting list….thats how they’ll define demand, can they make enough out of 39k home fans to negate the need to rebuild in the short term.

Wouldn’t be surprised to see £100 match day tickets for seats only cat A next season

[claret+blue ed]

It's not just ST price hikes. £63 for Man U on a Sunday at 4.30 in February is sadly a bridge too far for me.

Just had a look and my ticket for this fixture 2 years ago was £49.50

Not sure what it works out per ticket as an ST, but this is now starting to become ridiculous on a game by game basis as a member

I’m not on the ST waiting list as I probably only make about 10 games a season now as I live 120 mile away, but might rethink that now as it might not be much more