Middlebrook development plans

[Athers]

Proposals to develop facilities at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton Arena and the surrounding areas at the Middlebrook Retail Park have been announced by Burnden Leisure in conjunction with the Bolton Arena Trust.

These proposals are now subject to a public consultation process.

The development would include the construction of new sporting and educational facilities.

Ideas also under consideration include expansion of the West Stand at the Reebok Stadium to allow for further commercial opportunities.

“In 1996, the club's then board had the vision to build the Reebok Stadium,” said Chairman Phil Gartside.

“Now we are seeking to add to that vision with the planned creation of a major regional sports and education centre and offices at Middlebrook.

“This would maximise the potential of the existing facilities and develop further complementary elements.

“Our scheme includes working closely with the Bolton Arena Trust to reconfigure the Arena. This would lead to a new sports building and also an upgrade of the football pitches and other sporting facilities, which would bring further benefits and usage for the community.

“There are also plans to build a new education and welfare building at the Arena, along with the expansion of the West Stand at the Reebok Stadium.

“This would see the provision of up to 29,000 square metres of commercial and office accommodation adjacent to the stadium.

“In addition, we will continue upgrading our facilities at the academy, including permanent changing rooms at Lostock.

"These are all very exciting proposals and we will be working with local residents and all parties involved in these plans, as, together, we seek to make them a reality."

http://www.bwfc.co.uk//news/article/dev ... eView=full" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

From the BEN we have a picture and a few more details.

BOLTON Wanderers have unveiled ambitious plans to build a massive £100 million sport, education and office development next to the Reebok Stadium.

The proposals, codenamed the ‘Middlebrook masterplan’, span the Reebok, Bolton Arena and surrounding land.

They are a joint enterprise between Burnden Leisure, the company that owns Wanderers, and Bolton Arena Trust, which runs the arena.

The scheme includes plans for a free school run by Wanderers, which, it is thought, would be the first school in England run by a football club outside the Premier League.

The plans are described by the developers as “a major regional sports and education centre”, and also feature seven-storey office buildings, new football pitches and expansion of the stadium’s west stand.

The plans include: * An upgraded and reconfigured arena building for full-time sports academy use, with accommodation for up to 500 students.

* The construction of a new 105 metre sports building linked to Bolton Arena, which would house sports halls, tennis courts, changing facilities, administration, indoor football pitch and viewing lounge.

* Upgrades to sports facilities at Bolton Arena, including improvements to the running track, an artificial match pitch, and new floodlit five-a-side pitches.

* A new five-storey, 5,000sq m education building to the south of Burnden Way, which could house a free school and sports academy.

* Restructuring and expansion of the Reebok Stadium’s west stand to provide up to 3,000 sq m of accommodation, with new hospitality areas and administration facilities.

* Up to 29,000 sq m of commercial and office accommodation in a “grand arc” of seven-storey buildings on land next to the Reebok’s north stand.

Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside said: "In 1996 the club's then board had the vision to build the Reebok Stadium with its integrated hotel, conference and office facilities.

"Now we are adding to that vision with the exciting proposals that we have outlined.”

A seperate scheme is also being developed that includes upgraded facilities, including a new pavilion at the Bolton Wanderers academy site in Ox Hey Lane, Lostock.

The masterplan proposals are still in their early stages, but a formal planning application is expected to be submitted soon.

Bolton Arena is owned by Bolton Council, but is run by the not-for-profit community organisation, the Bolton Arena Trust.

Arena managing director Paul Bartle said: “The long term increases in our usage over the years have placed increasing demands on our facilities.

“It has for some time been our strategy to look for opportunities to further enhance those facilities and offer Bolton and the North West world-class facilities, programmes and events that inspire people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to follow a lifelong passion for sport and healthy activities.

“This scheme expands and upgrades the existing facilities at Bolton Arena, and proposes a regional sports hub for both elite and community sports users, combined with modern, sports-led education provision.”

Bolton Council leader Cliff Morris said he welcomed anything that brought new investment to Bolton, but would judge the plans on their merits when he had seen them.

The plans will be presented to the public at an exhibition at Bolton Arena’s reception area on Thursday, November 15 from 2-7pm, where visitors will also have the chance to quiz the design team.

Bolton West MP Julie Hilling said: “The proposed development seems to be an exciting new venture for Horwich.

“We already have impressive sports facilities at the Reebok Stadium and Bolton Arena — it would be wonderful to attract more to our area.

“However there is a lot of information to take on board so it is important that residents look at the plans.”

Cllr Lindsey Kell — who represents Horwich and Blackrod and sits on the council’s planning committee — said: “I would urge local residents to go to the open day next Thursday and find out more about the planned development.

“As a local councillor, I’m eager to hear the views of residents in relation to this proposal.”

Her views were echoed by Cllr Ann Cunliffe, who also represents Horwich and Blackrod.

She said: “Clearly I am enthusiastic about plans which attract jobs and new facilities, however I need to look closely at the proposed site and how it would impact on the local area.”

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/10033775._/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?

We don't already have permanent changing rooms at Lostock!? Are the youth teams getting changed in one of those shipping containers or what!?

[truewhite15]

It's hardly the most thrilling BWFC-related news. I've been duped by Iles.

[Lord Kangana]

Nixon got there first, and don't you forget it pilgrim.

[wanderers_on_tour]

And my hatred for Iles still grows...

[Athers]

It's hardly the most thrilling BWFC-related news. I've been duped by Iles.

Not really but if built it's more significant for the club as a whole than getting someone in on loan or something.

Not sure who is demanding office space at the moment, how big can Keogh's get!?

[CrazyHorse]

Still no mention of them turning the Burnden Way exit route into a six lane superhighway I see.
Until then, I'm out.

[bobo the clown]

I'm not sure they are inviting you to be "in", Crazy !!

... & there's a quote from Cliff Morris too. Can't wan't to see the Tramp's reaction to that !!

[officer_dibble]

Nimbys wet dream

fcuk knows who will want the office space

Still its economic development in difficult times...get it backed people.

[CrazyHorse]

I'm not sure they are inviting you to be "in", Crazy !!

You say that but the reality is that I'm thinking about expanding my business empire and am currently on the lookout for approx 29,000 square metres of commercial and office accommodation adjacent to a major sporting stadium.

[as]

Is Middlebrook the only thing Bolton has going for it?

As much as I hate that stadium location, ie a retail park, it has to be said that compared to other 'new' stadiums it and the surrounding area are pretty nice.

Horwich really is the place to be

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Nimbys wet dream

I'd say their back yard has been pretty systematically done over already. But I suppose the citizens of Chorley New Rd might flap their knickers.

[as]

Nimbys wet dream

I'd say their back yard has been pretty systematically done over already. But I suppose the citizens of Chorley New Rd might flap their knickers.

They've got enough on their plate already, once that 'prayer room' on Devonshire Road is made into another mosque anyway.

[midlands exile]

"* Restructuring and expansion of the Reebok Stadium’s west stand to provide up to 3,000 sq m of accommodation, with new hospitality areas and administration facilities."

I assume this means that the hotel is going to go then. Has it ever turned a profit (either in-year or whole-life)?

Also, didn't Reebok move out of the offices at the ground a few years ago? Did anyone ever replace them?

[General Mannerheim]

hotel is part of the south stand?

[scotty]

"* Restructuring and expansion of the Reebok Stadium’s west stand to provide up to 3,000 sq m of accommodation, with new hospitality areas and administration facilities."

I assume this means that the hotel is going to go then. Has it ever turned a profit (either in-year or whole-life)?

Also, didn't Reebok move out of the offices at the ground a few years ago? Did anyone ever replace them?

Yes Keogh's did. They employ around a 1,000 people at varios offices around Bolton.

I like the sound of these plans. Think its good news for the town and good news for the club. I think it can be seen as a move to make the club stand on its own two feet financially and therefore become less dependant on Eddie Davies.

29,000 sq metres of office space is a hell of a lot. You could probably get rental of £100 per sq metre for high spec office space which would be £2,900,000 per year income. But yeah, if they don't improve the access to the ground/car parks now then thats an opportunity missed.

[midlands exile]

hotel is part of the south stand?

Oh yeah. But the picture seems to show the hotel end as the expanded one, the roof looks twice as big as the opposite stand. Or is it just my eyes?!

I assume the concept artist got them mixed up. If he did, and an incorrect drawing was published, makes me wonder how accurate the rest of the plans are.

[CrazyHorse]

The picture shows the south stand as twice as big because it's already expanded fella-cos of the hotel.

[midlands exile]

The picture shows the south stand as twice as big because it's already expanded fella-cos of the hotel.

*wipes egg from face*

Apologies to the concept artist, for my lack of faith in their ability!

[enrdentw]

29,000 sqft of additional office space! The ground is going to be like one huge office!!

We'll be sponsored by Staples next...

[Hoboh]

Anyone else thinking it may make BWFC a more sellable asset so Eddie can get his cash back?
If the fat controller gets involved then like Bolton Royal it will go tits up! this man is an utter utter pleb of the first order, he's been troughing the public purse for years in posts he has feck all qualifications to be in. The reebok will be turned into a nuke junk dump staffed by eastern europeans if he has his way then he'll erect signposts to show the tourist attractions in the place.