Off the pitch improvements

I know but it’s interesting to see what we could do or what people suggest needs doing

 

We're talking well over a decade ago when I was running a business in Sheffield, but the blunts were very proactive in trying to get businesses to hire their facilities for meetings and events. Granted, there was a lot of competition in the area including major hotels and places like Don Valley.

I couldn't tell you if there is any form of business club in the local area, though I'd hope at least Barnsley Chamber tried to do something and I'd imagine there are a few BNI (or equivalent) chapters who could be approached. But it's like anything. It's down to the club to push stuff and not just hope it comes to them. And surely thats very much under the remit of the newly appointed "director".

 

I said it earlier and I honestly believe we need a presence of some sort in the town centre it doesn’t have to be big but there are units left some only very small im sure a deal could be made. Problem we have with having everything in house at Oakwell is you literally only visit if you are there for a reason whereas in the town there is a constant footfall. I get the cost may outweigh it but again it’s just a thought

 

t was an embarrassment when they shut it that is for sure.

 

I agree but it’s all about ideas nobody is suggesting we go out and do all these things right now but it needs addressing at some level and even some of the small things would be a big change. It’s good to get these ideas out there

 

If things were alright on the pitch mate. Then quite simply. (if the revenue is there and does not mean us spending more than we can cope with) .
The west stand would take priority. Not necessarily a new stand but a refurbishment as Portsmouth are doing. If more cost effective.
A social club.
A state of the art scoreboard.
I believe the disabled stand doesn't cater for all disabilities or rather enough places. Incorporate that into a refurbished/new west stand for better visability.
A fully functioning catering facility with an emphasis of delivering at speed.
Car park to be somehow able to allow a quicker exit..Glad I dont park at the ground I'd be pulling my hair out.
The list finite. But I'm sure I can think of some more.
As an aside I'd like to see more realistic pricing for those on benefits.

 

Just on the parking at the ground.... and given the council have a stake in this too, has there ever been dialogue to consider looking at a matchday park and ride scheme? Quite a few things that then become viable if space is created at the ground that would otherwise have been filled by cars.

 

Where from though mate and who would benefit from it. Not sure the council would want to share the proceeds. I'm guessing it's a big source of income.

 

This could possibly be incorporated into the ground rent discussions with the Council

 

I've posted exactly this before except for none match day Especially a park and ride for the Hospital. Let staff park there, and let visitors travelling by car from that side of town park in Oakwell. Go through town centre and make it cheap, and people will come.

 

A lot of this discussion is very much dependent on the council and the Cryne family agreeing to invest in the ground.

The separation of the ownership of the club and the ground mean that many of the proposed substantial upgrades are dependent on the owners investing in the infrastructure. To do this the council and the Crynes would want to see a return on their investment through a higher annual rental cost. All this at a time when the club are desperately short of cash.

Getting things like catering right are low cost and achievable, larger infrastructure projects would need significant finance which is just not available at the moment.

 

Surely the people waiting an hour to get out of the car park could benefit and that could maybe be dovetailed with trying to encourage people to stay after the game to socialise if the facilities were better?

You're also reducing pollution in residential areas in and around the ground.

And fully appreciate the revenue point and it would be a case of consultation if there was appetite for it. I think I parked in that car park twice and never did again because of how hellish getting out was.

 

Of course it is but that’s not the point of the thread it’s a place to get ideas down and new suggestions or likes. Let’s be fair 90% of the things listed will never happen but it doesn’t stop you wanting to suggest things that you feel would improve anything regarding the club

 

@Tykeofthetown apologies, my overly cautious approach to life often stops me being a dreamer.

Ideally a 25,000 all seater stadium with the West Stand upgraded to mirror the East Stand.

Catering that highlights all that is good from Barnsley with local produce on offer using technology to avoid queuing and efficient delivery.

The second one is totally doable the first a pipe dream.

 

I get the benefits mate. Anything to relieve the tedium of stuck in traffic. If it became a choice of stuck in the club car park an hr. Or taking an hr to get to and out of a park and ride facility. I'd chose the latter.

 

Priorities:

1. Stay in business.
2. Team on the field & decent coach within budget to achieve point 1.
3. Catering, bar & club shop to maximise revenue that at the moment is not been capitalised on at all.

Long term:

1. Restore the ground to it's former glory.
2. Play attractive football.

 

Do you know if there are restrictions on what can and can’t be done at the stadium none football etc?
As an example could it hold a musical festival or do the surrounding houses make it restrictive?

 

I’m not sure if it was Alan from red all over that suggested it or someone from the fans forum but they suggested having something on site a bar or some sort of venue that you can go to after the match and sit for an hour while it all calmed down traffic wise instead of just sitting in the car park for an hour. Seemed a really good idea