The Consultations Begin

THE consultation process for the new Home Park grandstand takes its next step later today, when fans will be able to talk to the people behind its development.

The club and development team will be at the Theatre Royal, in Plymouth, from today for three days to speak with supporters and the wider public about the exciting plans to rebuild the Mayflower Stand that were unveiled earlier this week.

The club has received plenty of feedback on the plans since, some of which has already resulted in the development team working on revising the design accordingly.

Some of the key areas of concern which fans identified and have swiftly been taken on board include:

•         Adding an extra tier to the grandstand;
•         Increasing the capacity; and
•         Confirming the ability to expand that capacity commensurate with future success.

That means that some of the recently released visuals are being updated, and will be published as soon as they are completed here on the club website, and at www.higherhomepark.co.uk.

Argyle owner and chairman James Brent said: “We are delighted that we have received a lot of feedback, which has generally been very positive but has also raised some concerns.

“The very purpose of consultation is to listen to these potential areas of improvement and to address those which are reasonable and where it is feasible.

“As a result, we have revised plans as best we are able.

“The modified plans will be presented at the Theatre Royal but, given the rapid response to feedback, will only be in outline. They will be further developed and refined during the consultation process.

“It is important that we have a new grandstand of which our fans will be proud, but we must take care not damage the commercial revenues that it will bring Argyle.”

The grandstand is part of a £50m regeneration plan that will transform Higher Home Park into a sporting and leisure destination unrivalled in the South West.

Representatives of the club, the Plymouth Argyle Supporters’ Board and the development team behind the Higher Home Park development will be able to brief fans about the grandstand and its part in the wider development at this week’s public consultation.

This will take place at the Theatre Royal, in Royal Parade, Plymouth on:
•         Thursday, March 21 (2pm-6pm);
•         Friday, March 22 (11am-4pm); and
•         Saturday, March 23 (11am-4pm).
Fans can also make known their feelings in other ways. They can:

•         Email argyle@pafc.co.uk.
•         Tweet @Only1Argyle
•         Post on the Official Argyle Facebook page
•         Submit comments on the ‘Contact’ page at www.higherhomepark.co.uk.

A meeting where fans can engage with key club personnel and members of the development team has also been arranged which the Plymouth Argyle Supporters Board on Saturday, March 30, Devon Expressway derby day. It is being held at the CityBus Social Club in Milehouse, starting at 10am.