Work will begin on the £7 million redevelopment early next week which incorporates a new 955 seater stand including new changing rooms and media facilities as part of the Brandywell/Daisyfield Masterplan.

It will also include standing accommodation for a further 270 spectators adjoining the proposed new stand that will bring the existing capacity for the ground to approximately 3,700.

When images of the Phase 1 plans were released by Derry and Strabane District Council last week, they were met with outrage from some Derry City supporters who were furious when learning of a reduction in size of the proposed new facility.Indeed, a small section of those supporters staged a protest in Guildhall Square yesterday afternoon during the monthly meeting of Derry City and Strabane District against, what they claimed, were “broken promises” to the city.

However, a statement from Derry City Football Club’s Chairman, Philip O’Doherty and the Board of Directors, explained that the club was fully aware of the phasing nature of the new stand and assured fans there will be adequate seating for supporters.The club is delighted to see work finally commence and view the plans as a ‘positive and affirming development for the future of the club.’

With the Brandywell expected to be out of action for the entire 2017 SSE Airtricity Premier Division season, Derry City assured fans the club is ‘exploring the best options for the coming season’ and had urged supporters to purchase their season tickets.

“The Chairman and the Board of Derry City Football Club are pleased to learn that the redevelopment of the Brandywell Stadium will begin next week.

“We see this as a very positive and affirming development for the future of the club. The project has been long in its gestation and the club itself and our supporters have, at times, been disappointed.

“To see the actual works begin in the stadium will help us all to relish the possibilities for the future.“We can begin to look forward to having a stadium that properly represents the status and the history of this great Club.

“There appears to be some confusion about the phased nature of the work and the recently released images have added to this confusion.“The club has always been aware that the full development would be phased and we can assure our supporters that this is not a problem, there will be more than adequate seating facilities in the new stadium.

“It is unlikely that any matches will be played in the Brandywell in the next 12 months. Supporters should be assured that the club is exploring the best options for the coming season.As soon as the venue for the coming season is clear and agreed, we will be informing our supporters.

“We have just had an excellent season on the pitch and we are looking forward to an even more exciting one, that includes European football.“To enable the club to go forward and to grow, we encourage all our fans to secure their season tickets, prices will remain the same.

“We also suggest to parents and to young people who are becoming conscious of the quality of the football being played in the League of Ireland that a season ticket is a great idea.”

 

Source:derryjournal.com

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