The petrol station was only part of it - I’m sure at the time he sold some of it. If you look back into the history, I’m sure you’ll see part of the car park was sold off around 2005 I’d say. The Cryne’s and BMBC agreed to it to raise funds, but also because the capacity wasn’t needed. Can’t remember how much land though. Some (not all) of the area in red.
Is that the case. I'm not sure how that works. Where are the council are getting the funds from. (Is it borrowed? ) I see it as having a mortgage. And charging rent. So an investment. Rather than a loss In the long run. Nothing like the financing of the bridge.
Wouldn’t be surprised if over time it came out that the Crynes sold their share for less than market value on the basis of the Council paying for repairs etc in future
I could be wrong but I thought cryne and the council only looked into the possibility of selling it and applied for planning permission in order to increase the value of the land and get a better understanding of it's true value for development. Cryne said he was against the idea but the council wanted to do it. May be wrong though
This is the part I am not clear on too ST. Some posters have said ".......allows the club to develop the ground as they require it" and that is countered by other posters saying "the council can upgrade / improve the ground......." I would have guessed the latter?? If I was renting a house from someone I doubt I could build an extension; yet if I was renting a house TO someone, I could do whatever I want with it. I also thought of another issue - not me being negative - but a cautious thought. What is to stop BMBC selling their new wholly-owned asset to some hedge fund or investment group? I hope the terms provided to the 30-year tenants (BFC) are watertight given any transfer of ownership? And wasn't that the reason the Crynes kept hold of their share for so long? To prevent the entire commodity falling into the wrong hands?
Can’t remember, and can’t find anything online. I thought we did sell a small patch of it. It will have been around 2005 ish. But perhaps it never came to fruition. It was definitely discussed at length though at the time.
I'd expect the areas of improvement to have already been costed and agreed upon between the two parties. This is a process that has been in flight for a while.
Lincoln City council raised eyebrows when they sold a plot of land for £1million then a year later bought it back with a new hotel on it for £13 million and then leased it to Travellodge on a 25 year lease with an option of another 25(potential 50). Turns out they borrowed the £13million at 2.5% with an expected yield of 8% each year. They and other councils see it as a way of raising funds to supplement the cuts from central government, this could be similar.
I'll take from that you want to live/stick in the past. People said it was dreary. Other councils are looking at Barnsley as a good example of moving forward. One of the Biggest rises (if not the biggest) in footfall in the country. Coaches and people from outside the area on the increase. So from your post I'll guess you don't visit, ?
I think planning permission was obtained but nothing was built. *EDIT* In fact: https://barnsleyfc.org.uk/threads/car-park-at-oakwell.184595/
The fourth paragraph of the club statement says what the developments will be: Improve fan experience (fanzone, food and drink improvements, corporate dining etc) Events, concerts, conferences (brings people into town centre) Women’s team Community Trust - health and well-being I’ll be quite happy to see out my days knowing that I can watch the Reds at Oakwell.
I love the tram though. Everytime me and the Mrs go out in Sheffield, and I'm drunk on the way home, I always comment on how the tram is the only upside to us living in Sheffield.
My read on Houghton’s comments was that the West Stand has ‘another 10 years in it’, with maintenance. Doesn’t sound like the bulldozers are coming in, any time soon.
I can see a West Stand redevelopment focusing on that agenda and not just providing standard seating.
Agreed minutes and actions were some of the things we suggested when we met with the club about it before Christmas. I'd assume this will be addressed. I think they are keen for this to be as transparent as possible.