ARGYLE JOY AS GROUND PLANS GET NOD
PLYMOUTH chairman James Brent believes Home Park will become a shining light for the city after plans to redevelop the Pilgrims’ home were approved this week.
On Thursday afternoon, Plymouth City Council granted permission for the club to revamp Home Park’s Mayflower grandstand, which currently holds around 7,000 supporters, as well as the surrounding area.
Plans will also involve a host of new amenities, such as a new international-size ice rink, offices, a hotel, shops and bars being built on neighbouring land while the ground’s capacity, which currently stands at 16,388, will eventually increase to 20,000.
Home Park was first built in 1893, first used by the Devonport Albion rugby team and has seen considerable redevelopment over the years, most recently in 2001 when work to build three new stands began.
“We still need to build it, but many thanks to all who have helped,” said Brent.
“There is great excitement and we’re looking forward to 2018 and beyond.
“It’s been a very long journey and there have been ups and downs.
“We’ve had a lot of feedback and made a lot of changes.
“The broad scheme remains the same in terms of what the ambition is, but we have made improvements. With these things, consultation and constructive feedback make it better.
“We now have a consented plan for a great asset to the club and to the city of Plymouth, and we need to focus on delivering it.
“A great thanks to the Green Army Grandstand Working Group, to the staff who put time and effort in behind the scenes, and to the Akkeron and professional adviser teams.
“Also, thanks to members for approving it and the planning department for their very diligent work.”