Football supporters have been participating in a consultation over their team’s plans to renovate a portion of its stadium.
According to Swindon Town FC’s plans, almost 800 season ticket holders would have to leave their customary seats in the County Ground’s Don Rogers Stand.
A new “iconic” greeting area, a new hospitality suite, and renovations to existing spaces like the restrooms are all part of the plans.
Anthony Hall, the club’s CEO, described the endeavour as both “exciting” and “emotive” because of the seat modifications.
The club believes that the designs, which were created by the architects Anderson and Prescott, will be able to go through the council planning procedure this summer, Mr. Hall revealed at one of the consultation events for the renovations.
“The room is filled with conflicting feelings. The loss of seats and the location of the new offers, in my opinion, are major factors.
“It’s thrilling. It’s an excellent project.
Fans at a public consultation event on Tuesday agreed that the club needed the proposals, which would increase revenue and make the facility more accessible to those with impairments.
“Hospitality is the way forward, not just on match days,” stated Joanne, who has had a season ticket for four years and would not be transferred. We need to move forward because we need to draw in revenue.
“We’re to the side of the hospitality boxes so it’s whether there’s going to be any obstruction,” she said.
John Bevan has been a season ticket holder in his seat since 1994, and said he agreed the stadium needs investment.
“I’m really pleased they’re making effort to upgrade,” he said.
However Mr Bevan will be one of those who faces being moved as part of the changes.
“It’s built up a community [in the stand],” he said. “Personally I’m worried it’s going to affect the atmosphere and community there.
“It’s a shame because I know from experience they’re part of the loyal supporters even when the team is doing very badly.”
Mr Bevan added he wanted to see the redevelopment happen the other end of the ground, which he said is the oldest section. This would take longer to do though, the club has said.
STFC said that it understood the seats are important part of matchday tradition and that it appreciates the patience and support through the transition.
Richard, a supporter, told the BBC that he doesn’t “know what the fuss is about”
“It’s just gradually deteriorated over that time, no one has ever done anything,” he remarked, referring to the stadium, which he has been attending since the 1960s. Although we’ve made plans in the past, nothing has ever come of them.
People who wish to attend must make reservations in advance for the club’s upcoming in-person event on April 23. The plans are available on the club’s website.
