I promised to advise on the frequency of blogs at least through the close season. Following a number of emails from supporters on the subject I have settled on three weekly intervals which will take us into the end of the first week of the season (9th June, 30th June, 21st July, 11th August) when we can then review the position.
During this period the format will be different so I do not send so many of you to sleep. The Q&A responses were lengthy by necessity and I hope that supporters appreciate the detail; one word answers hardly explain the thinking or engage with fans as I am attempting to do with this communication.
To extend that process of understanding I thought over the period I would let you have my thinking on the following subjects
· The media
· My likes and dislikes of the football industry
· Details of the stadium
I will plan in the third topic to include plans of the accommodation as well as seating arrangements, how we hope the stadium will differ from some of our competitors and some statistics for the future growth of your Club.
It is a few weeks since I spoke about the project itself and I can let you know that our construction team is currently engaged in detailed discussion with contractors. This includes input from not just our architects and structural engineers but also cost consultants to ensure we maximise the synergy between the various elements of development.
Not that anyone has forgotten but in addition to the stadium which includes a hotel, the enabling development comprises a significant retail park, adjacent, which will be occupied by some 15 tenants. This also includes the construction of the replacement St Mary’s Court being the block of 36 flats which fronts Victoria Avenue adjacent Roots Hall owned by the Council and of course the Sainsbury’s store which will follow.
Many of you would have read in the press of Southend Borough Council’s support for the use of CPO (Compulsory Purchase Orders) to ensure delivery of the Sainsbury’s development which, of course, is a key financial driver for the new stadium.
Whilst it is hoped that it will not be necessary to invoke CPO, preferring to conclude matters by negotiation, it is also vital to understand that this major regeneration project for the town of Southend is not frustrated by one or two individuals seeking to ransom the Club. I have said publically this is a win-win situation and all those parties affected by the site assembly will benefit. Let’s hope that everyone sees the good sense in our fairly based objectives so that our programme is not hindered or delayed.
Of course the Sainsbury’s store is not the first item on the agenda, moreover the stadium development itself. I am not going to put an absolute time frame to commencement on site but to know we are engaged with contractors will tell you that we are advanced.
When we do eventually put a spade in the ground we will of course have a ground breaking ceremony and I am also planning a video diary on the Club’s website that everyone will be able to tap into.
I am not pretending that we have arrived but I do feel there has been great advancement over the past few months and weeks and I continue to keep a lot of personnel in the property together with the construction sector very busy at a time when there is not a lot of activity.
Still, for the moment, we can all have a rest from footie save for looking forward to watching the play offs and each deciding who we would prefer to see promoted or relegated. There has been a voice in the past that has said “do away with the play offs”, but personally I feel that whilst they bring ecstasy and agony in doing so the play offs create a pinnacle to the season. In recent years Southend has experienced both and I know which I prefer!
I am aware it is exam time for many. Both my sons are currently deep in study which affects not just the younger generation but parents also. So good luck to everyone engaged in those activities – personally I was never the greatest scholar but hopefully I will try and think of something intelligent to say in three weeks time.
Up the Blues!
Ron Martin
Chairman,
Southend United Football Club
During this period the format will be different so I do not send so many of you to sleep. The Q&A responses were lengthy by necessity and I hope that supporters appreciate the detail; one word answers hardly explain the thinking or engage with fans as I am attempting to do with this communication.
To extend that process of understanding I thought over the period I would let you have my thinking on the following subjects
· The media
· My likes and dislikes of the football industry
· Details of the stadium
I will plan in the third topic to include plans of the accommodation as well as seating arrangements, how we hope the stadium will differ from some of our competitors and some statistics for the future growth of your Club.
It is a few weeks since I spoke about the project itself and I can let you know that our construction team is currently engaged in detailed discussion with contractors. This includes input from not just our architects and structural engineers but also cost consultants to ensure we maximise the synergy between the various elements of development.
Not that anyone has forgotten but in addition to the stadium which includes a hotel, the enabling development comprises a significant retail park, adjacent, which will be occupied by some 15 tenants. This also includes the construction of the replacement St Mary’s Court being the block of 36 flats which fronts Victoria Avenue adjacent Roots Hall owned by the Council and of course the Sainsbury’s store which will follow.
Many of you would have read in the press of Southend Borough Council’s support for the use of CPO (Compulsory Purchase Orders) to ensure delivery of the Sainsbury’s development which, of course, is a key financial driver for the new stadium.
Whilst it is hoped that it will not be necessary to invoke CPO, preferring to conclude matters by negotiation, it is also vital to understand that this major regeneration project for the town of Southend is not frustrated by one or two individuals seeking to ransom the Club. I have said publically this is a win-win situation and all those parties affected by the site assembly will benefit. Let’s hope that everyone sees the good sense in our fairly based objectives so that our programme is not hindered or delayed.
Of course the Sainsbury’s store is not the first item on the agenda, moreover the stadium development itself. I am not going to put an absolute time frame to commencement on site but to know we are engaged with contractors will tell you that we are advanced.
When we do eventually put a spade in the ground we will of course have a ground breaking ceremony and I am also planning a video diary on the Club’s website that everyone will be able to tap into.
I am not pretending that we have arrived but I do feel there has been great advancement over the past few months and weeks and I continue to keep a lot of personnel in the property together with the construction sector very busy at a time when there is not a lot of activity.
Still, for the moment, we can all have a rest from footie save for looking forward to watching the play offs and each deciding who we would prefer to see promoted or relegated. There has been a voice in the past that has said “do away with the play offs”, but personally I feel that whilst they bring ecstasy and agony in doing so the play offs create a pinnacle to the season. In recent years Southend has experienced both and I know which I prefer!
I am aware it is exam time for many. Both my sons are currently deep in study which affects not just the younger generation but parents also. So good luck to everyone engaged in those activities – personally I was never the greatest scholar but hopefully I will try and think of something intelligent to say in three weeks time.
Up the Blues!
Ron Martin
Chairman,
Southend United Football Club
