Trinity plans go in after hold-up

AMBITIOUS plans for a community football stadium and multi-sports facility have been submitted by Gainsborough Trinity Football Club.

Fans will soon be able to view the proposals, including detailed designs, on the West Lindsey District Council website.

It is hoped the stadium, on the old Castle Hills School site, off the Little Belt Road, could be ready for the start of the 2013/14 season.

The planning application was delayed after the discovery of a covenant on the land, stipulating it could only be used for rugby.

But an agreement has been reached with club chairman Peter Swann to allow a variety of sports teams to use the facilities.

The 9.4 acre development will feature a 4,000 capacity stadium, a 3G floodlit all-weather training pitch, 5-a-side-pitches and changing rooms.

Jason Ainsworth, project architect at wcec architects, said the stadium would be ‘state of the art’.

“Our latest stadium designs for Gainsborough Trinity football club combines wcec’s creative design flare with expert understanding of the technical issues surrounding a development of this nature,” said Mr Ainsworth.

“The scheme proposes to interact the on-field activities with the off-field commercial opportunities that a state of the art venue will attract.”

Mr Swann made it clear in May, when the plans were first revealed, that the stadium would be a community venue.

The club also hopes to develop its youth side and encourage budding young players to use the facility.

Rugby, hockey, basketball and netball teams will all be able to use the facilities

Mark Sturgess, head of planning and regeneration at WLDC said the authority ‘fully supports’ the club’s vision.

“The application is currently being checked to ensure that it contains all the necessary information,” he said.

“The council fully supports Gainsborough Trinity’s desire to improve its facilities for the benefit of the town as whole.”

“However it also needs to ensure that in such a large and significant project all the details will work as planned.”

“The council will be working with the Football Club to ensure that this happens.”

Other community uses at the new ground include a creche, club shop, kitchens, function rooms and another retail unit.

The Blue Square Bet North club has been at its current Northolme ground since 1873 but does not own it.

Supporters hold the Northolme close to their hearts, but accept the club needs to upgrade to a bigger, better home.

The show of support from fans at a public meeting in May was overwhelming, and they applauded Mr Swann’s continued investment in the club.

Back then he explained that the business model behind the new stadium.

“With a 3G floodlit all-weather training pitch open seven days a week, function rooms, catering facilities, a physiotherapy suite and a creche, the club’s income stream will be more sustainable,” said Mr Swann.

“I’m looking at what other income we can bring in, and I think this business plan will ensure the future of Gainsborough Trinity.”