Roots Hall: The plans for it's destruction move on
Retail giant Sainsbury's and the Shrimpers have moved closer to the redevelopment of Roots Hall into a new mega market, associated facilities, and, eventually, 270 new homes.
Click on the link below for the full story, still sad however much you believe Fossetts Farm is needed to turn the club's financial fortunes around, to keep up to speed on 'The Reserved Matters application', great legal speak there, and what it means to the town.
Providing new pedestrian crossings on Fairfax Drive stands out as a particular highlight, but 350 new jobs can't be a bad thing in the present climate.
Martin: 'The progress on the stadium will benefit the town of Southend'
Our glorious leader Ron Martin once again reminds us that Sainsbury's have not purchased the home of football and that it's no FF, no knocking down the West Stand!
The builders are on their way to Fossetts Farm, early 2012 now apparantly.
Chairman Ron told www.southendunited.co.uk: "This submission is another step towards enabling the redevlopment of Roots Hall. This is required to enable our new plans for a new stadium at Fossetts Farm which we can expect to start on the sight in the New Year. The progress on the stadium will benefit the town of Southend and put it's football club firmly on the map whilst also aiding Southend United's sustainable growth up the Leagues and sucess to be enjoyed by all the Club's supporters."
Sainsbury's will be working closely with Southend Borough Council to define the plans for a wider redevolopment of the town centre, which will include retaining their store there as well.
The supermarket chain's Regional Develoment Executive Robert Oxley said: "It's great to be able to submit this application, which takes us closer to building a new store to serve the Southend community, providing additional competition and choice for our customers. At the same time, we are very pleased to be able to support the town centre by maintaining a store within the town and by helping Southend United to move forward with their plans for a new stadium."
The fat lady isn't singing yet, but it looks, finally, as she may be clearing her throat, then again, as Bilel might say: 'il ne faut pas vendre la peau de l’ours avant de l’avoir tué'
The full article: www.southendunited.co.uk
The History of Roots Hall: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roots_Hall
Didn't want to put a date on it last week: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
Who is the best Shrimpers boss of the last 30 years?: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
Want to speak out about losing Roots Hall, join the editorial team at S24: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk