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Q. Is the Oval sold? For how much? Is it property developers who are interested in the Oval?
Big Cliff
A. The Oval is sold for a minimum guaranteed price of £3.5m. Glentoran will also get a share of the development surplus depending on the planning and development of the Oval. The purchasers are professional property developers and are duty bound to get the best planning permission possible. Obviously this is in their and Glentoran's best interests.
Q. What happens if the Oval is sold and Glentoran fail to find a new "home"?
Anon
A. This was the first thing put to our Solicitors at the outset. Security for Glentoran and a place to play was top of the agenda. After the payment of the balance of the full purchase price in 18 months, Glens have a Lease of the Oval for a further 6 years at £1 per week.
Q. Have actual architect's plans been drawn up for the new ground as yet? If so, when will these be released?
Alan Robinson
A. No plans drawn up yet. We are in discussions and we should have some outlines fairly soon. We do not wish to release drawings etc until we have the opportunity to debate and develop with all the stakeholders and the communities on the 'vision' for Glentoran at Laburnum
Q. What are the future long term plans of Glentoran with this new stadium being built? Does this include separate training facilities? If there is, say a ten year plan to improve the Glens, do these proposals look to take the club to professional status?
Dave Thompson
A. We will develop plans for the future of Glentoran which will see us going forward with a vision as a progressive club, with progress in European competition being the yardstick. We are looking at the new site and all our requirements needed to fulfil the stated ambition. We will not make progress beyond domestic competition unless we have the infrastructure to support that progress and that would include a form of 'full-time' professionalism and professional facilities.
Q. When will the new ground be ready? Will we have to ground share or will we stay at the Oval until the new ground is ready? Because I just hope we don't end up like Ards
Clifford Logan
A. I cannot say at this stage when the new ground will be ready, however we are planning for a 'turn-key' operation which will mean moving out of the Oval and into a brand new facility the same day. We do not intend to ground share as we want the playing surface to be the best in ireland and only used for Glentoran first team home matches. Good playing surface facilitates the skill factor, which is the Glentoran way. I understand the sentiments about Ards FC, but see my comments above and the first instructions to our Solicitors.
Q. If everything ran smoothly what would be the earliest date things could get underway and how long do you estimate the entire process would take? What do you see as the major stumbling blocks?
Anon
A. Again I cannot estimate a date at this early stage even if things ran smoothly (which never seems to happen). Planners cannot say eeither with any certainty as this will be the first 'soccer' stadium involving a planning application in Belfast. There are a number of careful considerations to be made that impact on a planning application. Some are compulsory requirements and some are beneficial in getting an application approved. Obviously the environmental impact assessment (EIA) roads considerations and the broader community are areas that we need to work on in great detail.
Q. Will the new stadium be built in an oval shape, and retain the word 'Oval' in its new name?
Clifford Logan
A. Not yet decided on shape. As an example we could have a new stadium with stands on four sides. This is considered best as it allows the playing surface to develop normally unlike the fully enclosed stadium. Fully enclosed with unrestricted viewing is superb but costs escalate because of this, and you could end up like Man U and have to resurface several times a year. No decisions on names but I would be greatly surprised, and a little disappointed, if the new stadium did not include the word 'Oval'
Q. Any ideas as to what the new ground will be called?
Paul of NDGSC
A. See above. I would add that there are 'naming rights' opportunities which we could not afford to ignore, however, we would probably insist that the word 'Oval' is included......eg "The Telecom Oval".
Q. How much money do we have, to both buy a site and build a stadium? And I dont mean what we hope to raise in grants or promised donations. What we MIGHT get cannot be counted. And how much does a proposed 10,000 seater cost?
Phil (Fear-Us)
A. I am interpreting this as a question about affordability. The ceiling on the spend for acquisition of the site and full construction and fit out is £7m. It is a viability condition of the sale contract that grant aid will be procured together with bank finance and contribution from Glentoran. I do not want to give the percentages at this time as we have to speak to providers. All seater stadia costs depend on 'finishes' and these range from £600 per seat upwards.
Q. Why is the propossal for a 10,000 seater? When we play linfailed, because of segregation, we will loose at least 1,500 seats and the revenue. (Should be 12,000)
Phil (Fear-Us)
A. The grounds should most likely form into four stands with numbered seats which will allow for full sell-out. A new facility creates a much improved environment and one in which behaviours should respond. They are also easier to control and with CCTV, good public address and the possibility of new laws to be implemented in NI much the same as on mainland UK - Football (Offences) Act 1991 - life bans can arise from misbehaviour at football grounds, like throwing objects, invading the pitch and taking part in indecent or racist abuse. Preventative measures can and will be taken that will not spoil the enjoyment for the vast majority of folks that attend our games.
Q. Why are we going to get a 10,000 seater? Can we not have a 8,000 seater with enough room for terracing in a section of the new ground, for atmosphere!
Ryan
A. The Taylor Report came out firmly in support of all-seater stadia for safety of spectator reasons, and this is paramount. Be reassured, will be doing all we can to create a really good atmosphere in the stadium.
Q. With the introduction of an all seater stadium, the atmosphere at the ground will be non existent, except for a few matches a season! Is it compulsory to build an all seater stadium?
Paul
A. We need more visiting supporters to build the atmosphere. See answer above re all seater.
Q. Wherever the new (and much needed) stadium is what arrangements will there be for :-
1) away supporters - especially Linfield and Cliftonville, and
2) car parking and general access?
Real Glenman
A. Seperate entrance/exits will be manned for visitors from Linfield and Cliftonville. Car parking will be available on site. Also supporter and team coach parking. Expect a high standard of facility in regard to this.
Q. Why do we assume we will get planning permission for Laburnam? I know many locals who will never agree to it. Everyone I know thinks The Blanchflower area is a vastly superior site, both in terms of access and location.
Phil (Fear-Us)
A. We don't assume anything at this time. Planning decisions are made by the planners. Our objectives will include much improved amenities for football, sport and the local community where currently none exist.
The Blanchflower area in terms of access and location is very good, however the same planning conditions will apply without any guarantee. Blanchflower area, if it is for sale, may well be beyond our budget.
Q. Why not look to the Harbour Estate? We would not be annoying any residents and it would keep the two cranes looking over us, it would also keep us in the area where we originate.
Anon
A. Should land become available for sale in the Harbour Estate at normal commercial rates then we would have to compete for it with other developers at auction. This could be beyond our budget.
Q. Two questions, firstly what exactly is the problem with Titanic Park, is it the cost of the land? Surely, with the transport links and restaurants and pubs nearby this is the ideal family area. Secondly, will
the 1923 committee be guarunteed new premises in the stadium?
Stephen Henderson
A. Correct on the first question. As in the previous question, I agree it is an attractive proposition.
We will have a very significant amount of room at the new location and more than ample space to allocate.
Q. What procedure do we have to go through for permission to build? Do we have to buy the land first? Can a number of locals prevent the development or are their objections likely to be overruled?
John Spence
A. There is quite a lot to be done in submitting an application for planning permission to build a new stadium and if difficulties are encountered it can take up to 30 months. Careful consideration of all
facets and detailed proposals to overcome difficulties shortens the process. We do not have to buy the land first. Locals protesting obviously have rights, and so have Glentoran FC. The case must be made for the development, and objectors have equally to make a case against supported with observations. The final decision is with the planners, then appeals, public enquiry etc. if necessary.
Q. Which other sites (if any) are being looked at if the one at Laburnam is given the thumbs down, and where is the money coming from?
Anon
A. None disclosed at this time. However any alternative location/s will be in East Belfast. Money from our own sale funds, Sports Council(DCAL) bank finance if necessary, and commercial developments associated with the new site.
Q. If the Glens receive grant aid from the government and any other body do these bodies have any say in the running of Glentoran or the location of the new stadium etc?
Michael Magee
A. The government will not have a say in the running of Glentoran, or the new stadium.
Q. Are there discussions with other sports about the joint use of the stadium? Some English clubs share with rubgy, union and league, could we afford to use the new stadium only once a fortnight?
Gordy
A. We are looking at facilities for other sports on the site which would include rugby, but not in the new stadium
Q. What other facilities will be at the new ground, as the club need to bring money in 7 days a week, not just every other Saturday?
John Hunter
A. There is the intention to make facilities available that result in the full utilisation of the stadium seven days per week. These will vary to meet the needs of customers, however they will have a bearing on income for Glentoran. It is important to develop income streams other than gate receipts.
Q. You say this Stadium will be for the whole community but what will be the benefits for the local community given that they blocked it the last time we were looking to move to Laburnam. Or did they?
Alan Stanfield
A. Currently the site is vacant and has been for most of the past ten years. There is a need for a community based resource that recognises education, youth, senior citizens and their recreational needs. Most observers know there is a demand for example, say 5-a-side pitches, and we can provide all of these. Note that the plans will demonstrate that this is not just about a new football stadium, but what the facility can do in providing more for the immediate community. We are adjacent to three schools.
Q. Can you outline the next few steps in the process with rough estimates for dates? What will happen about the pitch and the ashes scattered on it?
Anon
A. Timescales are not developed at this stage. See earlier answer above. We plan to commemmorate those people whose ashes are scatered at the current pitch with a suitable memorial at the new grounds. This could be a garden of remembrance or a window suitably enscribed.
Q. Will ticket and season ticket prices will be increased to pay for this multi-million pound stadium.
Ryan
A. We expect that our normal attendances will increase with the advent of the new stadium. We have no plans at this time to increase prices. New technology can be used to better supply ticketing, smart cards etc through turnstiles and this will help us to add more categories for pricing. Over time I think there will be some increases in line with most things these days.
