Council Planning Committee “minded to approve”

Bristol City FC’s new £60 million stadium has received a “minded to approve” verdict from the local council’s Planning Committee.

Capita Symonds is providing Project Management, Cost Management and CDMC services on the project which is expected to be completed in 2012.

Situated in the Ashton Vale area of the city, just one km from the team’s current home at Ashton Gate, the new stadium will have a 30,000 capacity which could be expanded to 42,000 if England hosts the World Cup in 2018 (last year Bristol was named in England’s World Cup bid as one of 12 potential host cities).

The stadium will be a 24-7 venue capable of holding events such as concerts, conferences, banquets and trade shows, as well as acting as a hub for community led enterprises.

Bristol City chief executive Colin Sexstone said: "It's a good result. A few extra things have been added in and we'll have to look at that closely. The positive side is we've got through this big hurdle. There are a few more to go, but this is good news. I'm hopeful there is no inquiry and we'll be doing everything possible to ensure this doesn't get delayed by 12 months; an inquiry would do that."

Although an eight-versus-one majority verdict was reached, as the application is on green belt land it will now be referred to the secretary of state who will decide whether to "call in" the application for an inquiry.

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About Capita Symonds
Capita Symonds is one of the UK's largest and most diverse multidisciplinary consultancies operating in the building design, civil engineering, environment, management and transport sectors. With over 4,000 staff in over 60 UK and international offices we offer an unrivalled scope of services and a unique blend of professional and technical skills to schemes of all types and complexities.

For further information, please contact –
Karl Blockwell, Communications Manager, Capita Symonds
Karl.blockwell@capita.co.uk
T: 02920-333777
M: 07825-532737