|
Post by Si Bradbury on Jul 3, 2014 8:01:45 GMT
OxVox officials have been aware of Water Eaton for four months as OxVox helped prepare, with the clubs advisor to the board - Charlie Methven, the proposal. Ian Hudspeth has been integral from start to finish as it was his idea as he is a huge United supporter. Please remember we the committee are elected to act in the best interests of our membership and football club and some things can't be reported on as quickly as we would like. Most people recognise that.
The most important thing is this couldn't be discussed until the feasibility studies had been completed. They have been completed and whilst it may sound pie-in-the-sky to some, it does have its merits. It is possible and every aspect of it has been looked at in detail by the club and by professional people. It provides a sustainable future long-term future for Oxford United.
Regarding Mr Kassam, he went on record this morning to say he won't be selling the stadium to people without the best intentions of OUFC and added that should OUFC aspire to leave the current stadium, he reminded all that we were under contract and effectively cannot up and depart without his permission and/or paying up.
Clearly people have been talking about this for some time on social media and forums and speculating about it, we cannot stop that but we couldn't confirm this until all the due processes are complete.
To confirm this process started in February and March 2014, the proposal was made to the Lenagan's in April. Then two weeks after that, we were aware of Mark Ashton's group rumoured involvement in taking the club forward.
The bigger picture is that we will remain asking questions of Mark Ashton and his Group and how he intends to develop this football club to the benefit of Oxford United and its supporters, with or without Water Eaton and at worst with the Kassam Stadium.
|
|
|
Post by aaronoxf on Jul 3, 2014 8:03:53 GMT
I like the idea of a stadium at water eaton and let's be honest the kassam hasn't been a happy home for us has it
|
|
|
Post by essexyellows on Jul 3, 2014 8:15:33 GMT
Why would anyone like the idea of a stadium even more in the "middle of nowhere" ? Having said that one would think the development would be somewhere akin to the old grain silo/new station development rather than on greenfield? Either way it would be a long,bloody battle.
|
|
|
Post by scotters on Jul 3, 2014 8:28:57 GMT
Why would anyone like the idea of a stadium even more in the "middle of nowhere" ? Wonder how many OUFC fans actually live in Oxford these days? As an OX4 resident, the Kasstad couldn't be more convenient, and Water Eaton would be a major hassle to get to in comparison. But I bet the majority of fans are outside the south and east of the city now, and would find it easier. Away fans definitely.
|
|
|
Post by bacon on Jul 3, 2014 8:31:10 GMT
Would someone mind telling me where the eff Water Eaton is please?
|
|
|
Post by oufcyellows on Jul 3, 2014 8:32:57 GMT
Would someone mind telling me where the eff Water Eaton is please? Just off the main sainsburys roundabout in kidlington, where the park and rude and old big red grain silo were
|
|
|
Post by pottersrightboot on Jul 3, 2014 8:34:55 GMT
Look at the history of our club and it is absolutely riddled with the red tape and inertia of planning delay.
A new 10,000 seater stadium would cost, what, £15 -£20 million to build? That is a lot of dough.
Bet your bottom dollar there is a rare type of hedgehog or orchid that lives/grows on the proposed new centre spot.
Anyway let's find out some more and let's debate it.
|
|
|
Post by andystroud on Jul 3, 2014 8:36:54 GMT
Surely it's not about the location of the stadium, the problem is the ownership of the stadium.
|
|
|
Post by woodstockyellow on Jul 3, 2014 8:37:27 GMT
So are we saying that this has been talked about by Oxvox, IL, the council and the leader of this local group of fans and then suddenly this other group are intrested. I guess all that ashton and co are intrested in is the kassam. Buy that for 12-14 mill. Sell it on for 30 plus.
|
|
|
Post by Eaststandboy on Jul 3, 2014 8:38:05 GMT
So IF IL sold to Ashton, would this new development be up in the air?
I suppose this could be attracting Ashton.
They buy the club and stadium (£20m in total). Then build a new stadium and Water Eaton (£15-18 million) Making a possible profit of £32 million!?
|
|
|
Post by bacon on Jul 3, 2014 8:38:33 GMT
Would someone mind telling me where the eff Water Eaton is please? Just off the main sainsburys roundabout in kidlington, where the park and rude and old big red grain silo were That's even further from my house...
|
|
|
Post by oufcyellows on Jul 3, 2014 8:41:43 GMT
What I don't get is if it's that easy, why does kassam not do it himself, he owns the land at the stadium already , pay for a new stadium for us and develop the land . In the mean time probably still getting rent . If Ashton's lot r only in it for the money , why r they not acquiring the stadium straight away
|
|
|
Post by oufcyellows on Jul 3, 2014 8:42:30 GMT
Just off the main sainsburys roundabout in kidlington, where the park and rude and old big red grain silo were That's even further from my house... Same but a possibility I may be able to get a train from radley
|
|
|
Post by Gary Baldi on Jul 3, 2014 8:44:54 GMT
I would suspect that this maybe more of a community stadium than an OUFC financed stadium. I'm still surprised the council are so positive.
|
|
|
Post by KLYellow on Jul 3, 2014 8:45:33 GMT
Being from North Oxford would prefer Water Eaton. Plenty of buses from the centre to the park and ride and Kidlington buses. Big car park at Park and Ride. Train station. Just off the ring road and A34.
|
|
|
Post by bazzer9461 on Jul 3, 2014 8:46:11 GMT
Who started the conversation about Water Eaton. The council , oxvox , Ashton, who? If that was going to be put forward what about the lease, what about the cost of the new stadium. Is this hot air, Wishful thinking?
|
|
|
Post by mac on Jul 3, 2014 8:46:33 GMT
What I don't get is if it's that easy, why does kassam not do it himself, he owns the land at the stadium already , pay for a new stadium for us and develop the land . In the mean time probably still getting rent . If Ashton's lot r only in it for the money , why r they not acquiring the stadium straight away Because if the long term plan is to do a deal with Kassam to release the club from it's current lease with him they won't need to purchase it.
|
|
|
Post by Yellow River on Jul 3, 2014 8:48:23 GMT
Oxfordshire County Council leader Ian Hudspeth spoke to BBC Radio Oxford's Phil Gayle earlier about ideas to build a new Oxford United ground in Water Eaton.
He said: "The main thing is for Oxford United to get their own stadium, so they can have the freehold.
"Water Eaton, with the new station opening next year, is going to be a fantastic transport link.
"It's in greenbelt though and it does come under Cherwell District Council's planning area."
Similar to the issues surrounding the development of land for housing in and around Grenoble Road with various owners (Magdalen college, Thames Water), greenbelt land and other District Councils (SODC)
Interesting times for OUFC, however expect snail pace 'developments'
|
|
|
Post by oufcyellows on Jul 3, 2014 8:51:56 GMT
What I don't get is if it's that easy, why does kassam not do it himself, he owns the land at the stadium already , pay for a new stadium for us and develop the land . In the mean time probably still getting rent . If Ashton's lot r only in it for the money , why r they not acquiring the stadium straight away Because if the long term plan is to do a deal with Kassam to release the club from it's current lease with him they won't need to purchase it. As in, he rips up the lease on condition we fook off. And the new guys fund the new stadium?? Possible but as they r venture capitalists would it not make more sense for them to make the profit from the land
|
|
|
Post by Yellow River on Jul 3, 2014 9:05:54 GMT
Thursday's Oxford Mail article.
U’s may move to a new ground.
THE leader of Oxfordshire County Council has said he would back a move which could see Oxford United leave the Kassam Stadium and build a new ground at Water Eaton.
And last night, Ian Hudspeth said it would potentially allow the club’s present home in Grenoble Road to be redeveloped for housing.
As revealed in Friday’s Oxford Mail, U’s owner Ian Lenagan is involved in takeover talks with at least two consortiums, and this newspaper understands any successful negotiations are likely to depend on the club owning their home.
But that might be away from the Kassam Stadium.
While an official approach has not been made for the site, which is located next to the Water Eaton Park-and-Ride and proposed new Oxford Parkway railway station, Mr Hudspeth confirmed informal talks between the county council and United have taken place.
But he warned there would be a number of obstacles to overcome with the land, which falls under Cherwell District Council’s authority. He said: “I had the idea a few months ago that it might be a potential location and did speak to Oxford United about it, but they were informal talks.
“The county council is not the planning authority. However, as an Oxford United supporter, I am obviously keen for the club to own its own facility.
“Water Eaton might do that.
“However, it is on Green Belt land and there would have to be discussions with Cherwell District Council.”
United have paid rent to landlord Firoz Kassam since moving from the Manor Ground in 2001, which is now believed to be around £500,000 a year. That burden has hindered the club’s progress, with the U’s posting losses of in excess of £1m for each of the last two years.
Mr Hudspeth believes a move to a new location could suit all parties. He said: “From a transport point of view, it [Water Eaton] would be next to the train station, is on bus routes and there would be car parking, so transport-wise it is a very good location.
“We could then look at the Kassam Stadium, and it might mean that could be redeveloped for housing to assist Oxford City Council to provide the need for homes.
“I am aware that the desire of all Oxford United supporters to own their own ground is great.”
Bob Price, leader of Oxford City Council, said the area would be ideal for such a development.
He said: “If ever you were looking at a site that’s worth developing, then that would be it. It is obviously a viable site.
“The football club and the rugby club [London Welsh have shared the ground since 2012] are very important parts of the community and they serve a wide section of the community.
“We would be happy to take part in any discussions that ensure they both remain viable. We will look at anything that sounds feasible.”
A consortium led by Mark Ashton appear to be favourite to take over the club should it be up for sale, with a team of Oxfordshire businessmen, fronted by Charlie Methven, also interested.
Mr Lenagan and Mr Kassam were yesterday both unavailable for comment.
Cherwell district councillor Michael Gibbard, the cabinet member for planning and the councillor for Water Eaton, said: “This is not something we are aware of and nothing has been put to us yet.
“My immediate thought is that it would be a major visual development in the Green Belt and not one to be encouraged but you could look at whether it is a special case.”
|
|
|
Post by mac on Jul 3, 2014 9:13:29 GMT
Because if the long term plan is to do a deal with Kassam to release the club from it's current lease with him they won't need to purchase it. As in, he rips up the lease on condition we fook off. And the new guys fund the new stadium?? Possible but as they r venture capitalists would it not make more sense for them to make the profit from the land I am no businessman but I can't see why anyone would buy the club to lose money which is what will happen if they buy under the same terms by which Lenagan owns the club. My own thought is that it's been mentioned that the new consortium will be buying a significant majority in the club, so maybe Lenagan isn't going anywhere but that these are the investors he's been seeking? We know that the working party looking at the prospect of a new ground (run ironically by Charlie Methven) highlighted Water Eaton as a potential new site so perhaps it is with this in mind that Lenagan sought investment. If the possible new owners are known to him it make even more sense, especially if he stays on and has to work with them. With further backing it's possible that with the land at and around Grenoble Road being at a premium, Kassam will release the club from the lease and perhaps even invest in building a new stadium. Kassam would make more back on this investment by developing the land at Grenoble Road while the club ends up with a ground under its ownership, which I would have thought in view of what he has said Lenagan would insist on. I'd think if this was the plan it is more than likely that the new owners would have been speaking to Kassam, so perhaps that where the rumours of his involvement have come from. It also makes sense why Charlie saw an opportunity to get a local fan based consortium together. To add to the conspiracy it's odd that the council also say they could help. Loads of 'if's' I know but maybe this is as viable as any of the other theories kicking around!!
|
|
|
Post by mooro on Jul 3, 2014 9:15:11 GMT
So this is the first the actual chap who will decide whether the plan can go ahead has heard of it, and it seems already has some misgivings about it....not the shoo in some are talking then!
|
|
|
Post by oufcyellows on Jul 3, 2014 9:17:44 GMT
So this is the first the actual chap who will decide whether the plan can go ahead has heard of it, and it seems already has some misgivings about it....not the shoo in some are talking then! He actually don't have much say at all as it's under Cherwell district council not oxford county council
|
|
|
Post by Si Bradbury on Jul 3, 2014 9:52:48 GMT
So this is the first the actual chap who will decide whether the plan can go ahead has heard of it, and it seems already has some misgivings about it....not the shoo in some are talking then! Come on Mooro. This isn't some pea-brain idea which has just come out to fill papers and air-time. A full proposal was presented to the Board of OUFC and with that, they took it to professional people and key stakeholders who have confirmed it is feasible and possible. The reason this has never happened in the past has been because the council, the key decision-makers, have never supported it or found a feasible and viable way of delivering such a project. Today, despite people dismissing it, the leader of the City Council and the leader of the County Council have come out and put their head on the blocks and not dismissed it. One is supportive of it, the other is expressing natural concerns to the local population and leaves his comments open by saying it could be looked at if deemed a special case. A special case may be unlocking huge residential opportunities at Grenoble Road. Then we have some venture capitalists circling around who have clearly been informed of what was going on.
|
|
|
Post by Si Bradbury on Jul 3, 2014 9:57:48 GMT
|
|
|
Post by oxfordharrier on Jul 3, 2014 10:17:32 GMT
So this is the first the actual chap who will decide whether the plan can go ahead has heard of it, and it seems already has some misgivings about it....not the shoo in some are talking then! Come on Mooro. This isn't some pea-brain idea which has just come out to fill papers and air-time. A full proposal was presented to the Board of OUFC and with that, they took it to professional people and key stakeholders who have confirmed it is feasible and possible. The reason this has never happened in the past has been because the council, the key decision-makers, have never supported it or found a feasible and viable way of delivering such a project. Today, despite people dismissing it, the leader of the City Council and the leader of the County Council have come out and put their head on the blocks and not dismissed it. One is supportive of it, the other is expressing natural concerns to the local population and leaves his comments open by saying it could be looked at if deemed a special case. A special case may be unlocking huge residential opportunities at Grenoble Road. Then we have some venture capitalists circling around who have clearly been informed of what was going on. This is clearly win-win, for OUFC and the city council- and I hope it happens. However isn't Mooro's point that it's not up to either the City Council or the County Council, it's up to Cherwell? Who are the ones in that report saying essentially "first we've heard of it, it's in the greenbelt, visual impact, etc" Seems to be a significant duck missing from the row to be honest... Brighton 2.0?
|
|
|
Post by essexyellows on Jul 3, 2014 10:17:49 GMT
No problem with location as such, travelling from Leicester its easier! However...... if its on greenbelt expect 15-20 years of appeals & reviews. So venture capitalists buy the Kas for £14 mill.....the value of building land will only go up. To be honest I imagine FK knows this so its £14 mill now or £20 mill++ later.... he`ll wait & wait. Unless they amalgamate in some sort of devils pact which is unlikely to be for the benefit of OUFC.......
|
|
|
Post by bazzer9461 on Jul 3, 2014 10:30:40 GMT
As Essex says 15 -20 years of appeals, consultant reports and that is whether Cherwell district council or even the very rich people up north Oxford want thousands of fans ( if we still have thousands ) marauding up the Banbury and Woodstock roads.
|
|
|
Post by blox21 on Jul 3, 2014 11:21:45 GMT
What's IL purposes if he sells to the birmingham mob ? It's just going to p*ss off kassam and defo put the club at risk . What's he up to !
|
|
|
Post by swissyellow on Jul 3, 2014 15:58:23 GMT
Official Club Statement from Oxford City Stars
Oxford City Stars are backing Ian Hudspeth’s support of a potential new home for Oxford United at Water Eaton to the North of the City. The Stars have been in very early talks discussing the creation of a first class sporting destination for the city of Oxford and the county of Oxfordshire.
A Stars spokesperson said “many US and European cities have arenas and stadiums in the same location which hosts their main sports teams. Sharing travel and sports infrastructure at one location would deliver a world class facility which our city deserves and offer excellent value and resource for Oxford.
We would be excited to join up with plans for Oxford to be transformed into a city built for the future and one that supports the community across a range of sports and activities.
We love playing at our current home in the centre of Oxford but our attendances are capped by the size of that rink and we’ve come off a hugely successful season where we hit our crowd capacity. A larger arena alongside a football stadium would enable the team to grow and open up huge opportunities for the future of Ice Hockey in Oxford.
As a club we welcome the idea and are excited about the potential of working with Oxford United and all local authorities.
Any move is of course many years away but we are thankful to be involved in these discussions at this early stage.
|
|