From: Chris Graham cyberspace7@btinternet.com
To: judith_price@bristol-city.gov.uk
Date: 10 January 2007 7:35pm
Subject: The Memorial Stadium
Hello,
I would like to submit a statement to be made available and used for the meeting regarding the Memorial Stadium redevelopment on Wednesday, 17th January 2007. The meeting taking place in the main council chamber in the Council House, College Green starting at 6 pm.
I will not be able to attend the meeting, but believe that I have something very important to add to the debate as unlike others I have actually lived right next to a stadium (Norwich) that has undergone an even greater re-development - so my experience will be of value to all sides of the debate.
My statement is as follows:
Having lived for years right next to a stadium whilst it has been extensively re-developed, unlike the vast majority of people, I can actually comment from first-hand experience.
The stadium at Carrow Road, Norwich has been extended to a capacity of over 26,000 which is far in excess of that proposed at the Memorial Stadium. There is a new hotel, Delia Smith’s restaurant, a car showroom, a travel agency, and 100’s of new flats without parking.
Access to the site is via 2 small, narrow bridges which are also used for access to the multi-screen cinema, bowling alley, swimming pool, gym, Morrison’s supermarket, large retail outlets, night clubs, bars, and restaurants. The stadium is next to residential housing.
It would seem a recipe for disaster, but instead fans actually avoid traffic problems by walking to the stadium, using public transport, and using supporters coaches from other areas of the county.
The redevelopment of the stadium attracted more families to Norwich games so cars contain a family instead of just one or two people, so the traffic didn’t get any worse despite the higher crowds - which average nearly 25,000 per game - more than double that of Bristol Rugby Club and four times higher than Bristol Rovers. In addition, fans park further away to avoid traffic and so local companies away from the stadium now open their car parks on match days - and give the proceeds to local charities.
Just the thought of traffic problems has meant people don’t use their cars so much - which has to be a good thing for the environment.
Remember that at Norwich the stadium redevelopment was far greater and with far worse access than is proposed at The Memorial Stadium. Yet, it is still only busy for about half an hour before and after games.
The Norwich stadium is only used on average about once per week which is about the same as at The Memorial stadium, and is hardly used during the summer months other than for religious events and occasional pop concerts. The inconvenience is minimal.
I bought a house next to the Norwich stadium simply because I knew the redevelopment was going to happen and I could sell for a huge profit. I have sold the house in the last few months and did in fact make a huge profit from it because the area has become a much more desirable place to live - because of the redevelopment.
I understand the concerns that some people may have next to The Memorial Stadium, but I can honestly say that in my experience there are far more positives than negatives. In fact, there were no negatives and Norwich now has a modern family friendly stadium that is an asset to the local community and is something to be proud of.
Kind regards,
Chris Graham