Pompey chime in with 'perfect' plan
A spectacular new 36,000-seater stadium to take the Portsmouth football club into a new era has been unveiled.
The club described its proposed 100m waterfront stadium on Horsea Island, next to the M275, pictured on the front page, as 'perfection'.
If given the go-ahead work on the 'giant bowl' could start next year, with the stadium completed by 2011.
The plans – drawn up by the same architects who designed the Beijing National Stadium – also include a 10,000-capacity exhibition centre to stage concerts and indoor sporting events.
Chief executive Peter Storrie said: 'We only have one word to describe this stadium – perfection.
'The club will be playing a big part in the regeneration of the city and our fans will have the very best in terms of facilities and amenities as well as an excellent viewing experience.
'Portsmouth Football Club has moved into a new era with the backing of owner Alexandre Gaydamak and these are very exciting times for the club.
'The new stadium, along with plans for the club's new training ground at the Alver Valley in Gosport are proof of where we want Pompey to be – playing at the highest level and in a stadium befitting a top Premier League side.'
After years of searching for a new stadium Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie said this was the only plan left on the table.
The club had to axe a 600m project to build a waterfront stadium at The Hard after security concerns from the navy.
Mr Storrie said: 'This has to happen. There's no other option. We are an FA Cup winning team, we need a bigger stadium to play in.'
Supporters will be encouraged to use buses, park-and-ride systems, and trains to get to the ground which will offer stunning views overlooking Ports-mouth Harbour, the naval dockyards, and the Solent.
As well as the stadium there will be between 700 and 800 new homes and retail and leisure facilities.
A naval diving and training facility will also be built at the MoD-owned site in a deal struck with the navy.
Fratton Park will be redeveloped on a phased basis, with work starting on the current car park and adjacent land while Pompey are still playing at the ground.
There will be about 200 homes as well as shops while Pompey are looking at retaining part of the current pitch as a children''s play area.
Architect Jane Barlow, who came up with the stadium design, said: 'It's nothing complicated just extremely simple as a vision.
'It's a giant bowl.
'This is a fantastic new site, this is the gateway to the city and that is the key to this project.
'I think it's going to be a fantastic new identity for the city and the club.
'We were extremely disappointed that the previous projects did not go forward but actually I think the new site has more opportunities than the old one did. I'm extremely excited about the new proposals.'
Also see:
Pompey chime in with 'perfect' plan
Moving tens of thousands will be major challenge for transport role
Portsmouth FC unveil stunning stadium vision
Concern over impact of new shopping
Grand vision of Pompey's future
New Portsmouth FC stadium - Your thoughts.....
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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