15 Jul 2010Bristol City stadium plans boosted

Football Clubs News | Football Technology and Stadia

Championship football club Bristol City have received a boost from local planners after proposals to build a supermarket on the site of their existing Ashton Road stadium received a preliminary green light.

The sale of the Ashton Gate site to retail chain Sainsbury's is crucial to the development of the new 30,000 Ashton Vale ground, which the board of directors is hoping will be completed in time for the 2012-13 season.

"Our plans for a new regional stadium are fast becoming a reality," said chief executive Colin Sexstone. "The club is committed to getting best value for its existing site and the food store is a key element of the funding package."

Although the scheme has been granted the initial backing of Bristol City Council's planning officer, the final fate of the scheme will emerge next week as a committee sits down to discuss the initiative.

Earlier this year, Bristol was named as one of the potential host cities for England's 2018 FIFA World Cup bid.

Written by Paul Roberts

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