9 October – 2010 – Development Update
Since our last visit……… new flags (above), toilets (below)
Stand is now badged up with BAFC logos. Turnstile blocks are now also nearing completion.
18 August – 2010 – Development Update & Visit of Former Players
Car Park to the side with Sainsburys adjoining (top left)
Pictures courtesy of Peter Jackson
Turnstile blocks to either side of the main stand are a new addition (bottom left)
Former players, author Alan Adamthwaite and representitives from the Durham Amateur Football Trust get the stadium tour together with Commercial Manager Kim Fryer
28 August – 2010 – Development Update
Latest visit from the development during a recent supporters site visit………….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB0aX7kh8ic
Chairman Terry Jackson shows supporters round the Tindale Crescent site on 24 August, and discusses the development with project manager Richard Hepworth (bottom right). Pictures courtesy of Peter Jackson
5 August – 2010 – Development Update
Short video of construction in progress on………
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5sXh5hrDz8
30 July 2010 – Development Update – Panoramic Views
Internal and External views of the Main Stand
23 July 2010 – Development Update
Main stand now partially clad in Two Blues (above)
Terrace behind the Western goal and looking out onto a pitch
Tarmac down opposite the main stand with banking up to the fence (above), and main stand (above right)
Behind the Eastern goal the fence is going up, with lots of space for expansion (below)
Construction work is proceeding at pace on the Main Stand (above and below)
16 July 2010 – Development Update
The grass is decidedly thicker and greener after a typically wet Summer week (above)
Northern League Management Team visit the site (below)
9 July 2010 – Development Update
Internal Works going on in the Main Stand (external above, internal below)
Seed is now growing on the field, with a patch cover of grass showing after only a few days (below)
2 July 2010 – Development Update
The frame of the main stand roof is now (above) on plus some internal features are now in place (below)
The concrete floor of the main stand is now in place (above) with the pitch now seeded (below)
18 June 2010 – Development Update
Floodlight pylons up on Thursday. New ones, rather than the planned ex-Kingsway units. (Above)
Main stand construction continues (below and above)
15 June 2010 – Development Update
Steelwork going up today with the western end of the main stand now erected. Pitchwork also continues.
14 June 2010 – Development Update
4 June 2010 – Development Update
Concrete steps now in place on the terracing (top) and work continues on the pitch (bottom right) and car park (bottom left).
19 May 2010 – Development Update
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITj1nAaiXTw
14 May 2010 – Development Update
Terracing steelwork now up (top left) and work continues on the pitch (top right). Stand foundations construction continues (below)
5 May 2010 – Development Update
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3QXgtExD1A
27 April 2010 – Development Update
Stand foundations (left), plus pitch site in preparation (centre & right)
8 April 2010 – Development Update
Tindale Crescent Pitch – still some work to do on this !!
Concrete piles being sunk for the grandstand structure
1 April 2010 – Development Update
Team Manager Colin Myers on site at Tindale Crescent
Pitch area – not quite playable just yet !
Car Park area now cleaned up and ready to start work.
27 March 2010 – Development Update
Retaining wall is now built, and the pitch area marked with orange fencing
13 March 2010 – Chairmans Notes…
So what’s happening with the ground? Well it looks as though we will get the keys to the doors on Monday 11 October. To list just a few jobs………The BAFC Project Team are currently:
10 March 2010 – Development Update
Pitch area from two angles (above and below).
Stand area (above) and car park area (below)
3 March 2010 – Development Update
Tindale Crescent pitch – already looks better than…………..(insert your favourite rival here)
Car Park – preparing the ground for the drainage holding tank
24 February 2010 - Eight-year wait for new stadium coming to an end – Northern Echo
A Northern League football club will receive the keys to its new stadium in October, signalling the end of an eight-year wait.
Bishop Auckland FC announced this week that the facility at Tindale Crescent, on the outskirts of Bishop Auckland, will have a 1,994 capacity, including 250 seats in the main stand, and the provisional date for completion is October 11.
Club officials have submitted applications for alcohol and entertainment licenses to Durham County Council, and are working on a Green Travel Plan to encourage fans who travel by car to share lifts, and those living nearby to walk or cycle to the ground. The car park will comprise 120 parking spaces and several disabled bays.
Bishop Auckland College’s management team are designing the layout of the stadium’s interior and the pitch is due to be seeded within the next few weeks to ensure the grass grows over the summer.
Terry Jackson, the club’s chairman, said the completion date was subject to consultation with Northern League officials "We need to work closely with the League to ensure we do not disrupt any fixtures, but we are hoping to incorporate a couple of big friendly matches to commemorate the stadium’s opening," he said.
"The important thing for us at the moment is seeing the pitch take shape. We are very pleased to be at this stage. The developers, Terrace Hill, and the architects are working hard to make sure there is no stone left unturned."
He thanked the Football Foundation for keeping a £250,000 grant in its budget for five years whilst the stadium’s plans were finalised. "We are starting to claim the first parts of that grant now," said Mr Jackson. "Without that, we would have had significant problems. Their patience in holding onto the grant for five years was remarkable."
The stadium has been awarded an FA Category C grade, meaning it is suitable for use up to the Northern Premier League’s Premier division.
28 January 2010 – Development Update
Work continues in full swing on the site. The pitch site is taking shape (above) while the club’s car park site is also now underway (below).
9 January 2010 – Development Update
Snow covers the entire site as we open January.
23 December 2009 – Development Update
Groundworks continue as the snow arrives just before Christmas. The “old” mound can be seen in the background on the left with a “new” mound in the foreground as the earth continues to move.
6 December 2009 – Development Update
Five years after being awarded a major grant by the Football Foundation, Bishop Auckland FC have finally registered their first claim against this Grant. Thanks to the superb support of the Football Foundation who have remained patient throughout this process.
All systems go !
23 November 2009 – Development Update
19 November 2009 – Northern Echo Article & Interviews
18 November 2009 – Ground Breaking Ceremony
Representitives from Bishop Auckland FC, developers Terrace Hill, Bishop Auckland Town Council, Durham County Council, Tindale Crescent Residents Association, groundwork contractors Hellens and the Football Foundation plus some BAFC supporters met on a windswept Tindale Crescent site to officially mark the start of the development of Bishop Auckland FC’s new stadium.
BAFC Chairman Terry Jackson and Terrace Hill director Duncan McEwan (plus dog Izzy) did the honours as construction vehicles worked in the background. Picture © FILMAR Photography
16 November 2009 – Development Update
15 November 2009 – Development Update
14 November 2009 – Stadium Development begins
Work has begun on site at Tindale Crescent with the first diggers being on site this week. The official “ground breaking” ceremony will take place on Thursday 19th.
28 July 2009 – New Ground One Step Closer – BAFC Board Statement
Terrace Hill's new development at Tindale Crescent took a further, significant step forward today when Durham County Councillors overwhelmingly voted to waive the requirement for a 'Section 106 Agreement'. Section 106 Agreements are legal instruments usually used to place restrictions on developers, often requiring them to minimise the impact on the local community and to carry out tasks that will provide community benefits.
There are now no further (foreseeable) planning obstacles for the planned development at Tindale Crescent and it is now expected that work will begin on the site in early November. Further updates will appear as timescales are firmed up.
17 March 2009 – Development Can Go Ahead without Government Intervention – Northern Echo
FOOTBALL supporters have plenty to celebrate today with news that one of the country's most famous amateur club's can build its long-awaited new ground.
Bishop Auckland FC had feared that planning delays could jeopardise plans for their new stadium at Tindale Crescent, where developers Terrace Hill are also building a cinema, bowling alley, shops and restaurants.
This morning Baroness Kay Andrews, secretary of state for communities and local government, told planning authority Wear Valley District Council that she was not 'calling in' the development because it did not conflict with national planning policies and her intervention would not be justified. The £45m shopping and leisure park could create up to 1,000 jobs on a derelict factory site.
Club chairman Terry Jackson said this afternoon: "This is incredibly good news. The club is very, very pleased both for ourselves and the local community. It is absolutely fantastic that it is going to happen after all this time."
Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman said: "This is wonderful news for Bishop Auckland. At a time when unemployment is rising, this development gives hope that the problems we face in our area are not long-term or structural. It will create a large number of new jobs and will also significantly improve leisure facilities in the area. I am particularly pleased that Bishop Auckland Town FC will now get the new ground they deserve, and I'm sure that local people will welcome the new cinema, bowling alley and shops. We have all had to be patient in the last few months, but I am delighted that this development can now go ahead."
3 March 2009 – New Twist in Club’s Plans for Stadium – Northern Echo
The roller-coaster fortunes of an amateur football club’s stadium plans took a new twist yesterday when rival developers officially withdrew their objections.
John Elliott, chairman of international dehumidifier conpany Ebac, announced he is now supporting Bishop Auckland FC’s new ground, and the associated leisure and shopping development that promises to create 1,000 jobs. The scheme, by developer Terrace Hill, includes a cinema and a Sainsbury’s store.
Mr.Elliott, who is expecting planning councillors to rule on his own scheme for a Tesco supermarket later this month, has told Government Office North-East about his change of heart and the information has been passed to Westminster, where the decision rests with secretary of state Baroness Kay Andrews.
If she decides to call it in, the issue would go to a public inquiry, leading to months of delays and putting the £45m scheme in serous jeopardy.
Mr.Elliott said he changed his mind after an independent report concluded that the south of Bishop Auckland could sustain both supermarkets. He hopes to sell his existing site to fund a new factory nearby making a new range of refrigerators and safeguarding hundreds of jobs. The report was prepared by HOW planning and incorporated evidence from chartered planners England & Lyle. It reviews trading patterns and updates the independent evidence of the Wear Valley Retail study, concluding that half of Tesco’s turnover would be clawed back from other stores outside the Bishop Auckland area.
Mr.Elliott said: “In business you need to take decisions based on real data and professional opinion. The report suggests there is enough capacity for more than one store. In light of these new facts we would be wrong to stand in the way of the Terrace Hill application and right to press ahead with our own scheme and ask it to be judged on its merits.”
23 February 2009 – Calls for Action over Stadium Development – Northern Echo
LABOUR politicians are pressing the Government to end a planning delay that could be costing a town millions of pounds. MPs and councillors are backing developer Terrace Hill's plans for a £45m leisure and shopping park near Bishop Auckland, that includes a cinema and stadium for famous amateur football club Bishop Auckland FC.
The plans were approved by Wear Valley District Council in November, last year, but were forwarded to the Government for a decision, after first being considered by its North-East office. The town's MP, Helen Goodman, former MP Lord Foster and South Durham MPs Hilary Armstrong and Phil Wilson have all pledged their support, along with Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council.
Supporters say the development could create 1,000 jobs and provide a huge boost to the south Durham economy. The football club fears it will lose a £250,000 stadium grant if work does not start before June.
Bishop Auckland councillor Rob Yorke is contacting Communities Minister Baroness Kay Andrews today to press for a decision. He said: "We need this project to be given approval because the football ground development is linked to the whole project. The area badly needs the jobs. Statistics have shown that when a new supermarket is built, up to 90 per cent of jobs, in this case 350, will be given to people within a one mile radius of the development. This would be great news for St Helen Auckland, West Auckland and the wider area."
He said he had learnt from Jonathan Blackie, director of Government Office NorthEast, that the project was being assessed against national planning policy, rather than the regional spatial strategy, which was why the decision had to be made in London. But Mr Blackie did not say what the recommendation had been.
Terrace Hill director Duncan McEwan said the delay was frustrating for everyone. According to an economic report, he said, every three month delay resulted in a loss of £4.9m for the local economy in potential wages and construction charges. He said: "I'm surprised it is taking this long. It is a big investment and, with the current economic climate, it could well be the biggest regeneration project in the North-East this year."
1 February 2009 – FSIF Grant Confirmed
Confirmation this week that the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF) has agreed to extend Bishop Auckland FC’s new stadium grant through to the end of 2009. Many thanks to the FSIF for their patience in this long process. The grant is a vital part of the redevelopment project and its availability is another significant step towards finally getting Bishop Auckland FC back into the town.
A decision from Government One North East regarding the development is imminent.
21 November 2008 – Fears turn to Cheers as £45m scheme approved – Northern Echo
FOOTBALL fans endured a tense evening but ended up cheering their biggest win of the decade last night as plans for their long-awaited new stadium went through. Councillors in Wear Valley, County Durham, gave planning permission for Bishop Auckland FC’s new ground as part of a £45m shopping and leisure development at Tindale Crescent, on the edge of the town.
Development control committee members all voted in favour of the scheme, which will give the area a six-screen cinema, bowling alley and Sainsbury’s store on an old factory site. Football fans listened nervously to the hour-long debate, fearful that they would lose the vote because of an 11th-hour intervention by water cooling company Ebac, which submitted a rival supermarket scheme on the site of its nearby factory last week.
Although the Ebac scheme is still in the early stages, the committee had to be told about it in case it affected its decision. Earlier this week, Ebac chairman John Elliott threatened to shut his factory if last night’s decision was not deferred.
Before they voted, Bishop’s chairman Terry Jackson lined up with the stadium scheme’s developer Terrace Hill and Sainsbury’s to make one of the most important speeches of his life in pursuit of his goal.
Across the room, Ebac workers surrounded Mr Elliott to support his plan, which would involve selling their 50-year-old factory to a retail company – named by him as Tesco – and building a modern refrigerator manufacturing plant on another site.
Mr Jackson said the stadium development was very much wanted. He said the club feared it could lose a £250,000 Football Foundation grant for the ground, saying the club had been asked to report to the funders next week. Most of all, he said, the development would benefit the area he grew up in, adding: “To have this regeneration opportunity is quite remarkable. It has a lot of support and I hope you will give it your support.”
Ebac chose long-serving employee Carol Jordan to speak for its 300 workers. She pointed out the need for new facilities and for keeping jobs in Bishop Auckland. Helios City, which is building shops and flats in North Bondgate, also spoke against the Terrace Hill plan, claiming it would harm businesses in Bishop Auckland town centre. A report given to councillors as they arrived for the meeting also included concerns from Sedgefield Borough Council, which said sites in Spennymoor should be given preference.
But senior planner David Townsend advised members to accept the development, which he said would benefit the area by bringing people in to Wear Valley without harming Bishop Auckland town centre or existing supermarkets Morrisons and Asda. Ward member Margaret Douthwaite said: “We have waited a long time for something like this to happen on this site. It will be good for the area, creating employment oportunities and leisure facilities.”
West Auckland councillor Colin Mairs said: “This is the best thing that could happen in the area. Our football club has a long heritage and I would hate to see it go by the board.”
Councillor John Ferguson said: “It will bring people to the district to spend money. Land was prepared in 1994 for this football ground, we have waited that long.”
Other members said they felt “uncomfortable” discussing the Ebac application, pointing out that Terrace Hill had spent many months working with planning officers. The committe all voted for the scheme, although final approval is needed from Government North East because the proposal is contrary to the Wear Valley District Local Plan and because of the size of the Sainsbury’s store.
20 November 2008 – Planning Permission Granted
Council members tonight voted unanimously to approve Terrace Hill’s Tindale Crescent development scheme in full.
In a well populated council chambers in Crook the Development Control Committee met, with dozens of members of the public also in attendance to witness the meeting. Terrace Hill’s development was promoted to the first point on the agenda, and after a brief adjournment to consider some supplementary information, the meeting began in earnest.
Opening the discussions came the confirmation from the chair that members had been advised by planning officers to approve the scheme, and the scheme was outlined in some detail.
Speakers objecting to the development from Helios Properties and Ebac came next, before the council’s own consultants confirmed that there was sufficient retail demand for a new supermarket.
Next came representitives from Terrace Hill, Sainsburys, and Terry Jackson on behalf of Bishop Auckland FC outlining the benefits of the scheme.
The focus of the meeting then moved on to the members. One by one they expressed their support for the scheme that will deliver not only Bishop Auckland FC’s new ground, but a new cinema, bowling, bingo, Sainsbury’s store and two restaurants, plus some much needed regeneration for the area.
The vote arrived and the hands went up in support for the scheme.
Another landmark night in the long and tortuous journey back home to Bishop Auckland.
14 November 2008 – Wait is Nearly Over for Stadium – Article from Northern Echo
One of the country’s most famous amateur football clubs looks likely to have its own home ground again after six years “on the road”. Bishop Auckland FC has endured many setbacks in its 15-year quest for a new stadium. It has been playing home games in Shildon, Spennymoor and West Auckland since selling its famous Kingsway pitch to developers in 2002. Now the ten times FA Amateur Cup winners could soon be back on home turf because their long-awaited new stadium, in Tindale Crescent, could be given planning permission next week.
Planning officers at Wear Valley District Council are advising members to approve a £45m shopping and leisure park proposed by developers Terrace Hill, which includes the ground, a six-screen cinema and a Sainsbury’s store, creating 350 jobs.
The Bishops’ chairman, Terry Jackson, will make a personal plea to the authority’s development control committee when it meets on Thursday. He said yesterday that everybody at the club was excited about the new ground, which is being built with a £250,000 grant from the Football Foundation.
Officials and supporters feared an eleventh-hour hitch when a rival supermarket scheme from water cooling company Ebac emerged two weeks ago. The company, which claims to have interest from Tesco, submitted an outline proposal on Tuesday to knock down their 50-year-old factory and build a supermarket, transferring jobs to a site nearby. Ebac boss John Elliott said yesterday he would wait for the committee’s decision, but expected to press on with his own scheme. He said: “If we don’t change our manufacturing facilities, it will put jobs at risk. We need to secure our future in Bishop Auckland.”
Ebac, Morrisons and an unnamed Bishop Auckland resident are the only three objectors to Terrace Hill’s plans. But senior planning officer Chris Baxter will tell councillors that Terrace Hill’s development is needed, it will not take trade from businesses in Bishop Auckland town centre, and will regenerate a derelict site without depriving local residents of an amenity.
Last night, the council’s planning chief David Townsend confirmed that Terrace Hill’s scheme would be debated, despite a request from Ebac’s agents, Ward Haddaway, for a decision to be deferred. He said: “We have taken legal advice and our recommendation is that a decision should be made on Terrace Hill’s application.”
Thursday’s meeting is at 6pm in Crook Civic Centre.
8 November 2008 – Store Pledge over £45m Development – Article from Northern Echo
A SUPERMARKET chain has renewed its pledge to set up a store in a North-East town in an attempt to allay fears over a rival scheme.
Developers Terrace Hill plan a £45m shopping and leisure centre for Tindale Crescent, in Bishop Auckland, that includes a six-screen cinema, 250-seat football stadium and the region’s largest Sainsbury’s. However, doubt was cast over the development when Ebac boss John Elliott announced plans to build another supermarket on the site of his factory nearby.
Supporters of Bishop Auckland Football Club were angry on Thursday, as a £250,000 grant from the Football Foundation could be lost if the stadium is delayed.
Paul Miller, regional development surveyor for Sainsbury’s, said the Terrace Hill plans will still go ahead. “Sainsbury’s remains fully committed to working with Terrace Hill to provide a new Sainsbury’s, jobs, investment and improved shopping facilities for Bishop Auckland,” he said.
“These proposals are robust and on time. We have the right scheme for the area and we see no reason why our proposals for Bishop Auckland should be delayed in any way. We will continue to work hard to deliver this new store as quickly as we can.”
Terrace Hill’s plans, which will create 350 jobs, go before Wear Valley District Council on November 20. If given approval, work will begin in February.
Mr Elliott claimed Tesco had expressed an interest in his development earlier this week but the company would not confirm this yesterday.
Public consultation over his proposals began on Thursday at Bishop Auckland Town Hall where initial plans are on display again today.
Derek Jago, chaplain of Bishop Auckland FC and former Bishop Auckland councillor, is one of many who have questioned their viability.
Duncan McEwan, director of Terrace Hill, said: “I have had a look and there are no proposals there – no scheme drawn up, no operators, no support in terms of the highways assessment and the retail assessment. I hope for the sake of the public that he gives them something that they can give an opinion on.”
The Football Foundation was unable to comment yesterday.
Mr Elliott will be at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, from 11am to 3pm, today.
7 November 2008 – Fans Fear They Might Not Get New Stadium – Article from Northern Echo
FOOTBALL fans have criticised last-minute plans from one of their club's main sponsors which they claim could threaten its future. Supporters of Bishop Auckland FC fear they will lose their long-awaited stadium if council planners delay their decision because of a rival scheme from Ebac.
The stadium is included in a £45m development proposed by Terrace Hill, who also wants to build a Sainsbury's supermarket and a cinema in Tindale Crescent. The company was anticipating a decision from Wear Valley District Council on November 20. Now water cooling company Ebac has put forward plans for a second supermarket on the site of its 50-year-old factory on the nearby St Helen Trading Estate, which chairman John Elliott wants to replace with a fridge manufacturing plant on a new plot. Ebac's intervention was condemned when it unveiled its scheme in Bishop Auckland Town Hall yesterday.
Fans claimed the club risks losing a crucial £250,000 Football Foundation grant, awarded four years ago, towards the cost of the ground. Football club director John Cowey said: "Because we have a good relationship with Ebac, people are probably more cagey about being critical. This is probably our last chance to get something proper and permanent, and it is frustrating to have this lastminute obstacle."
David Illingworth, of Low Melbourne Street, Bishop Auckland, said: "I think it stinks, and I'm very much against it.” Joanne Russell, also from Low Melbourne Street, said: "This is all about Ebac, and the other development is about the community. It would be brilliant to have a cinema - there is nothing around for youngsters, nothing but pubs. It is so upsetting to have John Elliott do this at the last minute. I can't believe a man who supports the football club and continues to do so would jeopardise its future."
Mr Elliott said yesterday he would support community sports facilities in the town. He will be at the town hall today and tomorrow, from 11am to 3pm and will give a presentation to community leaders on Monday.
6 November 2008 - Statement from BAFC Ltd Board
The Board of Bishop Auckland FC Ltd have tonight been advised by the Chairman of EBAC Ltd, John Elliott MBE, that people purporting to be Bishop Auckland FC supporters have today verbally abused EBAC Ltd staff in Bishop Auckland Town Hall.
The EBAC Ltd staff were in the Town Hall Library presenting their development plans for Tindale Crescent.
EBAC Ltd has been for some years, and continues to be, a valuable Club sponsor yet those 'supporters' told the EBAC Ltd team to 'stuff' the company's sponsorship. These so called fans are not in any way speaking on behalf of the Club and their actions have done BAFC a great disservice.
The Board of Bishop Auckland FC (and the overwhelming majority of Club supporters) unreservedly condemn this disgraceful behaviour. If anyone wishes to support the Terrace Hill application at Tindale Crescent then the best way to do that is to write to Chris Baxter at Wear Valley District Council.
Chris’s contact details are:
Senior Planner Planning Department Wear Valley District Council Civic Centre Crook
4 October 2008 – Threat to Stadium Development – Article from Northern Echo
A £45M shopping and leisure development that includes a cinema and a new stadium for a football club could be scuppered at the last minute by a rival scheme.
Water cooling company Ebac says that selling its 50-year-old factory near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, and building a fridge manufacturing plant nearby, will keep jobs in the town. But developer Terrace Hill fears that Ebac’s new bid for a supermarket and petrol station could undermine its own longer-standing proposals.
The rival schemes – Terrace Hill’s plans depend on Sainsbury’s, while Ebac has talked to Tesco – would be only a few hundred yards apart, and there is already concern in Bishop Auckland that any more out-of-town shopping would hit town centre shops. The Terrace Hill development, which could create 350 jobs in Sainsbury’s, two restaurants, a six-screen cinema and stadium for Bishop Auckland FC is due to go before council planners on November 20.
Ebac expects to submit its outline to Wear Valley District Council next week once its plans have been shown to the public in Bishop Auckland Town Hall library, from Thursday to Saturday.
Duncan McEwan, from Terrace Hill, said: “I can’t believe what they are doing. This puts our whole scheme in jeopardy if it delays planning, especially in the current economic climate. If we can’t get the football ground ready for next season the club could lose a Football Foundation grant and that would be disastrous.”
Ebac is one of the the football club’s main sponsors and founder John Elliott intends to include sports facilities in his scheme. He said: “Bishop Auckland is very important to me. We have been talking to a Turkish company about building fridges and that is what I want to do here. Being competitive is not about cheap foreign labour, it is about organisation and efficiency. We can’t do it where we are now. It is an old building and it has grown piecemeal over the years. We need new facilities and I would rather be in Bishop Auckland than Poland. I don’t know whether the area can support one or two new supermarkets, but Tesco is keen to come to Bishop Auckland. It will be up to the council to decide and I will support their decision.”
27 September 2008 – New Away Kit Sponsors Announced
Terrace Hill, a leading UK property development and investment group, is delighted to announce that it is to become the shirt sponsor for Bishop Auckland Football Club’s (BAFC) away strip for the coming season 2008-09.
Terrace Hill Group began its working relationship with BAFC while working on proposals to redevelop the former Warner Electrics site at Tindale Crescent, Bishop Auckland and the new sponsorship underlines Terrace Hill’s commitment to improving and regenerating a run-down area and to supporting the local community.
The scheme, for which a planning application was recently submitted includes a brand new Northern Premier League standard stadium for the Bishops’, as the team is known locally, set amongst a leisure park, comprising a multiplex cinema, ten-pin bowling alley, bingo hall, and restaurants, and a Sainsbury’s food store.
The Bishops’ are the UK’s most successful amateur club having won the FA Amateur Cup on 10 occasions, including three in succession in 1955/56/57, and runner-up on a further eight. The side currently competes in the Northern League Division One.
Since 2002, when the Club moved out of its traditional home at Kingsway, where it had played since 1886, its has shared grounds with other local teams and is currently playing at the home of West Auckland F.C.
The new stadium will provide the Bishops’ with a permanent home which means that the team can, once again, become a real focal point for the community. The new facility will have modern changing rooms , a good quality pitch and will overall provide a first rate experience for not only spectators and players, but also the wider community. . The £250,000 grant awarded by the Football Foundation for the construction of the Bishops’ new ground remains in place. and Terrace Hill hopesthat the new stadium will be open in time for the start of the 2010/2011 season.
Additonally it is intended that the set of floodlights donated by Manchester United in 2007 will be incorporated within the new ground development. Terry Jackson, Chairman of Bishop Auckland Football Club, said: ‘’We have an exciting (and no doubt challenging!) season coming up and the future of The Bishops is looking good as we make plans to move into our new home. Our partnership with Terrace Hill has opened up this fantastic opportunity and with them sponsoring our away strip, we are one step closer to bringing The Bishops home.
‘’A new home will mean a new start for the club. Of course the importance of having our own. new ground and associated social facilities can’t be underestimated as it will enable us to grow as a Club and once again be a real focal point for the community. We have waited a long time for the ground and a lot of people in Bishop Auckland were naturally sceptical about our chances of moving to Tindale Crescent so the development is great news particularly for our magnificent supporters who have continued to turn up to matches whilst we have been homeless I can’t think of a better way of thanking everyone associated with the Club than by getting the new ground built. We are very nearly there.
Duncan McEwan, Director at Terrace Hill Group commented: ’’The Bishops are a fantastic representation of the local community and we are delighted to be supporting such an historic team at this exciting time. We hope soon to be able to announce the date when we can start work on the club’s new home and the exciting leisure and retail amenities we hope to provide through the rest of the scheme. I would like to take this opportunity to wish The Bishops all the best for the next season and look forward to having the new stadium ready in 2010 for what will be their first match on home turf in eight years.’’
21 September 2008 – Development goes to Planning Stage
Developers Terrace Hill submitted plans for the whole of the Tindale Crescent site including Bishop Auckland FC’s proposed new stadium to Wear Valley Council on Thursday 4th September.
The development plans include a new ground for the Bishops', a Sainsbury’s foodstore, and leisure units which will include a 6 screen cinema, bingo hall, bowling alley and restaurants. The proposed Bishops' stadium will be built to Northern Premier League standard and will include a 250 seater stand with a social facility on the first floor and 125 car parking spaces. The application should go before the planning committee before the turn of the year, with a view to getting started on site early in 2009. The new stadium should then be ready for the start of the 2010/11 season at the latest. The plans for the new stadium are available to view at Wear Valley Council planning offices in Crook and on-line via the Council's website (http://www.wearvalley.gov.uk) and any comments in support of these can be made to the case officer, Chris Baxter, who can be contacted as follows: Chris Baxter, Senior Planner, Planning Department, Wear Valley District Council, Civic Centre, Crook, Direct Tel: 01388 761987
Please do write to the Case Officer and let him know your support for the scheme.
26 July 2008 – Public Exhibition a great success
The exhibition of the Terrace Hill development which includes, amongst many thing, Bishop Auckland FC’s new stadium attracted sizeable crowds to Bishop Auckland Town Hall over the Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Several hundred largely positive residents of the town were talked through the scheme by representitives from Terrace Hill, Sainsburys and Bishop Auckland FC. Next stage, planning !
12 July 2008 – Stadium Development goes Public – Extract from Terrace Hill Statement
Developers Terrace Hill are running a public exhibition of their development on the former Warners Electric site and adjoining land at Tindale Crescent.
“You are invited to a display presenting the proposals for a mixed-use leisure and retail development. The development will include Sainsbury’s foodstore, a new football ground and associated car parking for Bishop Auckland football club, a multiplex cinema, ten-pin bowling and bingo facilities and food and drink uses.
The proposals can be viewed within the library at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland from 13.00 on Thursday 24 July 2008 until 13.00 on Saturday 26 July 2008. Representatives from Terrace Hill and the development team will be available between 13.00-17.00 on Thursday 24 July, 10.00-17.00 on Friday 25 July and 10.00-13.00 on Saturday 26 July.
We want to gather the views of the local community on the draft proposals before finalising them. Comment forms will be available at the display.”
4 February 2008 – Northern Echo update
A FOOTBALL club is close to ending a wait of almost 15 years for a new stadium, after an agreement was reached between a council and a developer.
Bishop Auckland FC, the most successful amateur club of all time, is on the verge of building a new ground at Tindale Crescent, on the outskirts of the town.
Terrace Hill, the developer behind a proposed multi-million pound cinema complex, which includes the ground, has reached an agreement in principle with Durham County Council, which owns the land. Although the decision needs to be ratified by councillors, the agreement is a major development for the ten-time FA Amateur Cup winners.
The breakthrough comes ahead of tomorrow's 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, when Bishop Auckland came to Manchester United's aid.
Bishop Auckland sent three of their best players, England amateur internationals Derek Lewin, Warren Bradley and Bob Hardisty, to help rebuild the team.
The Premier League team showed their gratitude by playing a fundraising game, organised by The Northern Echo, when The Bishops faced severe financial difficulties in 1996.
The Red Devils have also donated old floodlights from Old Trafford to the proposed new ground. Club chairman Terry Jackson said it was a "massive" boost to the team, which plays its home games in Shildon and is languishing towards the bottom of the Arngrove Northern League first division.
"This is material, tangible progress," he said. "There are many things still to be done, but this is the most significant piece of news throughout this whole long saga. It's for it to be lost now, rather than to be won."
Funding for the ground is in place, thanks to a £250,000 grant from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund and money from the sale of the old Kingsway ground.
The Terrace Hill development includes a multiplex cinema, B&Q store, restaurant and parking. It is understood that a cinema operator has been lined up. Director Duncan McEwan said: "It's a step in the right direction, but things need to move forward quickly to make sure everything comes to fruition."
In July 2006, a land deal which had been agreed between the football club and the county council fell through because The Bishops planned to sell part of it on to Terrace Hill. Ken Pearson, head of corporate estates for Durham County Council, said: "We are in advanced stages of negotiations."
No date has been set for councillors to make a final decision, but the football club hopes work could start by late summer.
17 November 2007 – Northern Echo update
It is three years ago today since one of the country's most famous amateur football clubs was given a grant to build its new home. But, as Dan King reports, the stadium is still to get off the ground
TERRY JACKSON, the Bishop Auckland FC chairman, is climbing the muddy bank which leads to the site earmarked for the past 13 years as the club's new stadium.
"This is actually the first time I've been on the land itself," he says, surveying the reclaimed pit land in Tindale Crescent. "It's such a great spot, you can almost imagine the football ground there."
But, while the ten-times FA Amateur Cup winners presently travel to nearby Shildon for their home games, it is local youths on their mopeds who will play on the tyre-trodden proposed new pitch this weekend.
When the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF) awarded the club a £250,000 grant three years ago which, allied with money from the sale of the team's former Kingsway ground, meant that all the necessary money was in place, it seemed that the Two Blues' blues were finally over.
But a row over a covenant delayed matters further, and in the summer of last year, a longagreed land deal with Durham County Council fell through. Many months later, talks to revive it continue.
"At the moment, everything is dependent on negotiations between the county council and Terrace Hill," says Mr Jackson, referring to the developers behind a proposed multi-million pound cinema complex, which includes the football stadium. "Terrace Hill are a blue chip company, they have great plans and they will get that land eventually. Once their deal is sorted, everything is in place; until then, we can only wait with our fingers crossed."
The company was unavailable for comment, but Ken Pearson, head of corporate estates for Durham County Council, confirmed: "Together with Wear Valley District Council, we are in detailed negotiations with Terrace Hill. Negotiations are well advanced but not yet concluded."
And the FSIF says that the grant is still in place three years on. A spokesman said: "As far as we're concerned, the £250,000 offer still stands - we are looking forward to the matter between the club and the council being resolved and work starting."
Both the stadium and the cinema developments have outline planning permission from the district council, subject to the club and Terrace Hill signing a legal agreement.
The council's leader, Neil Stonehouse, said: "We will continue to do everything in our power to support the club. We know what it means to the town. We have helped in the past and we will do so in the future."
Many people in Bishop Auckland still believe that the club should have stayed at Kingsway, their home of 116 years. Their league position and attendances have both plunged dramatically but, although he was not involved with the club when plans to move were first formed, Mr Jackson insists: "We had to leave the old ground.
"It was crumbling around us and we would have been kicked out of the Northern Premier League because our ground wasn't up to scratch. The thought of a spectator falling through the wafer thin floor gave me nightmares."
He says that getting back to the position they were in before the loss of revenue from having their own ground affected their playing budget is the long-term goal, but in the meantime, the club is looking to build its support in the community.
"It's tough, but we have a small but incredibly diligent bunch of volunteers," he says. "I think the club's supporters and sponsors have been nothing short of magnificent. We still have a good base of support, despite our obvious difficulties. We have some incredibly loyal supporters and you do feel responsible for bringing, if not the glory days back, then at least a little bit of happiness."
4 October 2006
Dream still alive, says club boss
Bishop Auckland Football Club’s troubled move to a new ground has not been cancelled, the club’s chairman has assured fans. Terry Jackson has dismissed fears that a land row with Durham County Council will blow the final whistle on the scheme, first mooted 13 years ago. The council pulled out of selling 13 acres of land at Tindale Crescent to the club after learning of its plans to immediately sell three acres to property developers behind a proposed leisure complex nearby.
That was in July, and left the future of the project in doubt – as well as that of the famous club, which remains homeless. The Two Blues currently play at Shildon’s Dean Street ground, and have also shared Spennymoor United’s Brewery Field since leaving their former home at Kingsway in 2002.
But Mr.Jackson, writing in the club’s matchday programme, has revealed that meetings are ongoing with the council in an attempt to revive the deal. He said: “The club met with Durham County Council at the end of last month and we are awaiting news on the next steps, so as soon as we can say anything, we will. To the Bishops fans, I can say that when the Tinale Crescent dream is over I will let you know, so don’t put on the black ties just yet.”
This week, the council confirmed that both parties had met to discuss the issue since the initial breakdown of the deal, but had yet to come up with a solution. Ken Pearson, head of corporate estates, said: “We have had recent meetings with both the football club and the prospective developer to clarify a number of issues about the area of land in question. Discussions are continuing with both parties about the future of the land and although we have not yet arrived at any conclusions, we remain hopeful of reaching an outcome that will satisfy everyone’s requirements.”
26 July 2006 - BAFC Ltd Board Statement
Update on Tindale Crescent In 1993 Bishop Auckland FC (The Club) announced its intention to move from its traditional home of Kingsway to a new ground at Tindale Crescent, 2 miles out of town. By 2001 the Club had moved no nearer to achieving that objective and in the knowledge that the Club’s land at Kingsway had a firm buyer, the Club’s Board proposed a move to ground share commencing season 2002-03 and since then the Club has been a tenant at both Shildon and Spennymoor. Clearly the move to Tindale Crescent is key to the Club’s future and in recent times the Club has: 1 Successfully applied for a £250,000 grant from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF) This was the maximum amount available. 2 Obtained detailed planning permission for the new development. 3 Negotiated a commercial deal to finance the new ground. 4 Reached agreement with Ashtenne on the restrictive covenant. 5 Completed the tender process and appointed (subject to contract) a main contractor for the project. 6 Obtained a blue chip regional company to sponsor the new ground in S. G. Petch. 7 Been endeavouring to buy the land (from Durham County Council) where the new ground is to be sited. There has been a huge amount of effort from a number of people to get the Club to this advanced stage and points 1-6 have been achieved with the help of some highly capable, diligent professionals who have been happy to lend their support. However, point 7 has been a protracted and frustrating process. The Club has had the funds to purchase the land since September 2004 but has been unable to do so primarily, but not wholly because of issues around restrictive covenants. It is fair to say then that the Club has been ready to commence the new ground project for some weeks but key to starting the work was the purchase of the land at Tindale Crescent (land that has been set aside for the Club for some years). The land purchase is important as it provides the mechanism for building the new ground. The mechanism is as follows: • Club buys 13 acres from DCC • Club immediately sells 3 acres to Terrace Hill (property development company) • Funds from the sale of the 3 acres, and the Kingsway sale, allied to the £250,000 and a bank loan pays for the new (basic) ground with precious little money to spare. This is a significant commitment from the Club However we have now been informed that Durham County Council (DCC) do not intend to honour the original sale deal, as they have objected to the fact that we are selling those 3 acres to Terrace Hill and not using all 13 acres for purely footballing purposes. The Club’s response to DCC’s rationale is uncomplicated: • When the Club’s solicitor finally received the draft contract for the land (in July 2005) there were no caveats or restrictions to the sale. • The Club’s sole objective is to build the ground, and the mechanism adopted does just that. • Every penny of the funds received by the Club (as noted above) will go into the new development. The words ‘profit’ and ‘subsidy’ are entirely theoretical. It is clear then that DCC has decided that it wishes to re-negotiate the sale of the land and receive substantially more money from the transaction. DCC have taken this stance fully cognisant of the consequences to the Club and people in the area will no doubt have their views as to whether the politicians involved have made the right decision for the local community. The future of the project as it currently stands is now uncertain, and until we have a better understanding of what DCC are prepared to discuss, it is difficult to speculate about possible options. What does seem evident though is that the FSIF funds are now in real danger and should the Club have to re-apply there will be only be a fraction of the £250,000 available. Work on the new ground is now unlikely to start this summer. This is all disappointing news and not just for the Club’s Board and loyal supporters but to the people and organisations that have worked so hard with us in recent years. The following names are just some of the people who have spent a lot of time and effort working with us: Alan Liddell of WSP Andrew Snell of TTH Architects Steve Skoyles and Fred Cosgrove of Hall and Partners Mike Overton and Matt Bartle of the Football Foundation Duncan McEwan of Terrace Hill Steven Colwell of S. Colwell and Associates The above people and companies have made the ground a real, live possibility for the very first time in 13 years; yet as we speak it is very much a case of so near yet so far. Meanwhile the land in question continues to be used as a speedway track by local bikers.
14 September 2005 - Chairman's Programme Notes
Most of you are aware that the Club has obtained detailed planning permission for the Tindale Crescent development and also successfully applied for the maximum £250,000 grant from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund.
A lot of you will also know that the latest in a veritable marathon of obstacles that the Club has encountered in its difficult path to the promised land of Tindale Crescent is a little thing called a restrictive covenant . Most if not all land/building developments have some form of restrictive covenants - for example if you or I buy a house there will be some restrictions about usage. The problem with this specific restrictive covenant is that that a neighbouring and very wealthy property company (Ashtenne) have the right to object to the land around Tindale Crescent being used for football purposes unless (as in this instance) they can rid themselves of the maintenance and liability of reed beds across the road from the ground itself. In short the Club needs the agreement of Ashtenne to progress.
All other organisations having ‘residual’ interest have long since agreed to the future usage, but not Ashtenne. It is Durham County Council’s (DCC) responsibility to deal with this particular matter but it wasn’t until late June this year that Ashtenne even acknowledged communications from DCC. It would be accurate to say that this (I think quite deliberate) procrastination by Ashtenne has delayed the new ground project by at least six months. The most frustrating thing about the episode is the fact that the Club is powerless – only Ashtenne and DCC can sort it out and I do hope that the issue is resolved by the end of this month. I would add that the delay does not sit with DCC. If we don’t get the matter resolved soon it could affect the FSIF grant – let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.
1 July 2005 - Statement from Durham County Council to BAFC Ltd
"Durham County Council is keen to work with Bishop Auckland FC to facilitate the development of the new development of the new ground, the site for which was identified several years ago. The site is however affected by a restrictive covenant which needs to be varied so as to allow the proposed use.
Terms for varying the covenant were agreed in principle with One NorthEast ( who at the time was the beneficiary of the covenant) as long ago as 1997. The legal documentation was not however completed prior to the disposal of the property assets in 2001 to the property company, Ashtenne, who inherited the benefit of the covenant. Since 2001 the Council has been attempting to secure the variation of the covenant with Ashtenne. The Council confirmed that it would be prepared to proceed with the variation on the terms originally agreed with One NorthEast and has contacted Ashtenne on a number of occasions to try and finalise this matter.
As a result of constant pressure over several months (most recently with Ashtenne's Regional MD, James Havery, in London , and Peter Smith in the Newcastle office), the Council has, on 22 June, received indication of the terms on which the Company would be prepared to vary the covenant. These are that the Company would wish to divest itself of its interest in the nearby reedbed purification system, including the responsibility for maintenance, which serves the company's nearby industrial estate. Urgent consideration is being given to this proposal to see whether it forms the basis for a way forward."
29 June 2005 - Northern Echo
Bishop Auckland FC have warned they could lose valuable grants if a wrangle over a covenant on the land for their new ground at Tindale Crescent isn't resolved soon.
Bishops thought that it was all systems go when they were told they were in line for a grant from the Football Foundation last year, but their plans are now on hold because Ashtene, a property company, has yet to assign a covenant to Durham County Council. Without the covenant, Bishops' plans cant' progress and the grant could be withdrawn.
Ashtene have had the covenant for nearly five years, but it was only last week that they agreed to have discussions with the County Council - and there is still no guarantee that they will reach a financial settlement.
Bishop Auckland chairman Terry Jackson told the club's AGM: "Ashtene have inherited the benefit of the covenant but they haven't responded to any sort of communication until last week. I can't understand why they've avoided discussions, but maybe they're hoping for a good price for their interests. This is a big bureaucratic obstacle in terms of buying the land, and it puts our grant from the Football Foundation in real jeopardy."
2 April 2005 - Northern Echo
Club delighted as approval granted for new stadium
One of the country's most celebrated amateur football clubs is looking forward to a home of its own after stadium plans were approved. The plans for a footall pitch, grandsnd and terrace on the outskirts of Bishop Auckland means Bishop Auckland FC players and officials can start looking to the future.
Wear Valley District Council has welcomed the development on a former pit heap north of the West Auckland bypass at St.Helen Auckland. The Two Blues left their home of Kingsway in April 2002. Since then they have shared a ground with nearby clubs Shildon and Spennymoor.
Bosses have been developing plans for a move for the past 11 years. Club chairman Terry Jackson said: "This has been an important part of the project for us. We are very pleased." The project which is expected to cost £700,000 was discussed by councillors on Thursday night. The propsed access for the site will be from West Auckland, and there will be about 100 car parking and coach spaces.
23 March, 2005 - Northern Echo
Stadium Hopes are High
Bishop Auckland FC will get a home of its own if plans for a football pitch, grandstand and terraces on the outskirts of the town are approved. Planning officers at Wear Valley District council are recommending the details be approved for the former pit heap north of the West Auckland bypass, at St.Helens Auckland.
The Two Blues, who won the FA Amateur Cup a record ten times, left their home of 115 years, Kingsway, in April 2002 and since then players have shared a ground with clubs in Shildon and Spennymoor.
Outline plannign permission has been approved and now the club is in a position to press ahead with its plans. This is a milestone for the bosses who have been planning the development for 11 years. The project, which is expected to cost £700,000 will be discussed in full at a meeting of the council's development control committee on Thursday, March 31.
The proposed access for the site will be from the West Auckland direction and there will be car parking with about 100 spaces as well as coach parking.
The application also features a green travel plan, which aims to encourage club visitors to use more sustainable modes of transport such as walking, cycling and buses.
A car parking strategy has also been adopted, which would include providing information about the location of other car parks and negotiating with local organisations and sponsors to arrange to use their vacant parking spaces on match days. Letters of support for the strategy have been received from Garnetts Coaches, which will have 60 spaces available, and from Hathaways, which has 100 spaces available.
26 November, 2004 - Message from BAFC Board
Bishop Auckland FC to receive £250,000 from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund
It is announced today that the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF) has awarded £250,000 to Bishop Auckland FC towards the Club’s new development at Tindale Crescent on the outskirts of the town. Bishops chairman Terry Jackson says:
"This is significant news for both the Club and the town and I hope demonstrates that after innumerable delays real progress is being made. It is now 11 years since the move to Tindale Crescent was announced and I think it is fair to say that the patience of the Club’s supporters has been well and truly tested. I also know that many people in the town have long since given up on the Club ever getting to the new ground.
In those 11 long years this grant aid award is the very first to be obtained and for that I must thank the FSIF. The Club has worked very closely with the FSIF team in the last two years and in that time we have consistently received first class advice and support – the importance of the FSIF’s role in assisting Clubs like us really cannot be overstated.
The £250,000 award is a massive boost for Bishop Auckland FC and gives the Club the impetus to move into the next stage of the re-location plan. The Club is also at an advanced stage of the detailed planning permission process with Wear Valley District Council and we are confident that the application will be approved within the next two weeks.
Once again our appreciation goes to the FSIF, Durham County Council and the new ground project team – all of whom have been very supportive and very patient.’
Over £70m has already been invested by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund since its launch in July 2000, funding lower league ground improvements throughout professional and amateur game, creating a safe and modern environment for fans and players to enjoy the game.
Peter Lee Chief Executive of the Football Stadia Improvement Fund welcomed the boost for Bishop Auckland:
“This historic club will soon have some of the best facilities in the region. I am delighted that the FSIF have been able to play a part in bringing a modern new ground for the club and their fans to enjoy the game.”
Chairman Terry Jackson surveys the site (c) FILMAR Photography
August 2004 - Northern Echo
Sports clubs benefit from sale of land
A long awaited land deal is allowing two Bishop Auckland sports clubs to make progress with exciting development plans.
Trustees for Kingsway, the 117 year old ground that was home to the town's cricket and football clubs, have released the first money raised from the sale of the football club's share. Bishop Auckland Cricket Club was presented with and undisclosed sum at the weekend after the sale to Sunderland company Durham Benevolence for a sheltered housing complex.
Chairman of the ground trustees Judge Harold Hewitt presented a cheque to club president George Romaines at a social night on Friday. Cricket club officials plan to spend the money on improving facilities and providing coaching and support for young players.
Ketih Hopper, former chairman and a trustee of both the club and the ground, said: "It means a tremendous amount to us. We need to spend money on our changing rooms and other facilities, while the development of young cricketers is a real priority. It is hard work raising money , as it is for all clubs, and this will allow us to do a lot."
The football club's share of the money will go towards its ambitions plans to develop an out of town stadium at Tindale Crescent. Officials decided on the move more than a decade ago, but a series of frustrating delays meant that they had to enter a temporary ground sharing agreement with neighbours Shildon.
Now the club has submitted a second stage planning application for the Tindale Crescent development and is waiting for the football Foundation to approve essential grant funding. Chairman Terry Jackson said: "We need the money from the land sale for the new ground to build a new stadium. We already have outline permission for the council and our detailed application has gone in for a 250 seat stand and changing rooms. It has taken a lot longer than we would have liked, but we hope we are getting there at last."
10th October 2003 – Northern Echo
Bishop Auckland probably won’t be moving to their new Tindale Crescent ground until 2005, Chairman Terry Jackson has announced.
Bishop revealed earlier this week that the sale of their Kingsway ground was hopefully nearing completion, but according to Jackson there is still some way to go. “It is unlikely that we’ll be there for August 2004. Realistically, we’re 18 months away, assuming everything to do with Kingsway is sorted out in the next few weeks.”
“We’ve had talks with Shildon, and they’ve agreed that we can play there for another year, which is greatly appreciated. But we must also address the issues which will help us get an A grade at Shildon, so then we can be playing Premier Division football next season. We have asked the UniBond League for clarification.”
6th October 2003 – Northern Echo
One of the country’s best known amateur football clubs is a step closer to getting a new ground, almost a decade after drawing up plans for the scheme. Bishop Auckland FC wants to move from its former Kingsway ground to a new stadium in Tindale Crescent.
But the club, which has won the FA Amateur Cup a record ten times, has been unable to press ahead with the development because of a series of delays. Since leaving its home of 115 years last April, the club has played its UniBond League fixtures on Shildon’s Dean Street ground, fuelling fears among supporters that the move would fall through and the club would be left homeless.
Solicitors acting on behalf of the trustees of Bishop Auckland Football Club and Cricket Club, which shared the Kingsway site, are drawing up contracts to complete the sale of the land.
Nick Postma, Secretary of the Bishop Auckland Football Club and Bishop Auckland Cricket Club trustees said: “All the processes are virtually complete now and only the contracts need to be signed. Wear Valley District Council was very supportive of the idea and has continued to be so since the planning application was first made in 1994. The stumbling block has been Sport England, who have a right to comment on any planning application involving sports grounds. They laid down a stipulation that the sale of the football ground could not go ahead until Bishop Auckland FC had done substantial work on a new ground.”
“The football club, however, needs the money from the sale of the ground before they could go ahead and start building the new stadium. This obstacle has now been removed by Durham Benevolents, the group lf people who are buying the land. They have provided substantial funding to Wear Valley District Council to drain a public playing field in the area and make it playable again. This has satisfied Sport England.”
Once the sale of the ground is completed the money will be divided between the football club, the cricket club, which is remaining on part of the site, and the original landowners the Church Commissioners. The football club can use the money to finance its new ground at Tindale Crescent while Durham Benevolents will build sheltered accommodation on the land that was formerly used by the football club.
10th February, 2002
Bishops and Shildon to share Tindale Ground ?
Bishop Auckland will be holding a shareholders' meetings on Friday 7th March to discuss the issue of a possible groundshare with Shildon at Tindale Crescent.
Bishop Auckland FC Ltd shareholders were informed of the proposal by letter on Friday 7th, but The Northern Echo reports that Shildon chairman Gordon Hampton is denying that Shildon are about to leave Dean Street.
Full Northern Echo report on News
15th January, 2002 - Northern Echo
Soccer club hit by cash threat
One of the country's best known amateur football clubs is once again facing an uncertain future.
Officials at ten-times FA Amateur Cup winners Bishop Auckland FC say they will struggle to survive if they lose their major source of income.
For more than 100 years, the football club has co-existed with Bishop Auckland Cricket Club, sharing the historic Kingsway sports ground in County Durham, to the benefit of both clubs.
The main source of cash for the football club has been its social club, which is on land that both clubs own. However, now that the Bishops have quit Kingsway to share a ground with nearby Shildon until their out of town stadium is built in Tindale Crescent, the cricket club says it wants a proportion of the rent the football club receives from the social club.
Football club chairman terry Jackson said the move could prove a devastating blow for the UniBond League side. He said: "The social club rent has given us about £21,000 a year, which is our biggest sponsorship by along way. At best we raise £5,000 a year through the turnstiles, which shows how important this money is. We rely on the rent money to keep going - and let's face it, all small clubs need every penny they can get their hands on."
"We have received a significant amount of rental money from the social club for a number of years and felt that the arrangement could continue in the same way. Both parties spoke in November and I felt we agreed about that, but in December the cricket club spoke to the social club about sharing rent. This would be dreadful news for the football club at any time of the year, but to happen in the middle of the season is the worst possible timing."
Keith Hopper, on behalf of the cricket club trustees, said: "We have the best interests of Bishop Auckland Football Club at heart and have had since day one of the negotiation. We have been trying to get meetings with them over the past year but they have ignored our overtures. But we are wiling to sit down and talk with the football club at any time".
15th October, 2002
Message from BAFC Board:
The Club has now received formal confirmation from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF) that (given a number of perfectly reasonable caveats about how we process the bid) we are eligible for the maximum £250,000 grant. So whilst the ‘Grass Roots’ bid remains on hold we can now properly progress with the detailed planning for Tindale Crescent.
Whilst we knew that the re-location money ceiling was £250,000 we were reluctant to move further until the FSIF could give us a firm indication of how much of that £250,000 we could reasonably expect to get. With the project looking to be dramatically smaller than the original plan, we really needed a very good indicator before the project could finally start.
I can fully appreciate that a lot of people in the town must have thought the whole move was never going to happen but it is and we can now push all the buttons. However, there is another certainty – we will need the wholehearted backing of the business community in Bishop Auckland to make this move work.
3rd May, 2002 - Northern Echo
Relegation Blow for Bishops
Bishop Auckland have been told by the UniBond League that they will be relegated from the Premier Division at the end of the season – irrespective of whether they avoid the play-offs. A team of UniBond League inspectors visited their proposed ground share at Shildon earlier in the week, and announced yesterday Bishop will be playing in the UniBond league First Division next season because the ground isn’t up to Premier Division standard.
At the time of inspection, a proposed stand to cover 1000 people was still being constructed, and this, according to the League, is the reason why Bishops have failed. Chairman Tony Duffy said: “The only reason why we’ve failed is because the stand wasn’t completed. We told them that it would be finished next week, but that isn’t acceptable to them. It is irrelevant to them. They’ve stuck to the letter of the law, and we’re very disappointed.”
13th March, 2002 - Northern Echo
Bishop Auckland have asked for volunteers as they race to beat the UniBond League's deadline. Bishops intend to share Shildon's Dean Street ground next season to stage league matches, but they are racing against time to beat the UniBond League's April 30 deadline.
Shildon's ground needs several improvements to reach the UniBond League standard, and Bishops spokesman Terry Jackson said: "We need as many people as possible to go along to Shildon on Sunday morning to help work on the ground. The UniBond League has given us a list of jobs to do and we're trying to get them all complete by the deadline."
The biggest job will be the erection of a a 1000 standing capacity stand, while the UniBond League are also asking for two levels of terracing in some parts of the ground.
Shildon chairman Gordon Hampton is confident the work will be completed in time. "We've already put in an enormous amount of preparation work. Building a stand sounds a big project but we believe it will be only seven days' work."
20th March, 2002 - Board of Directors
Ground Share Agreed
Bishop Auckland FC have agreed to groundshare at Northern League Shildon’s Dean Street home for next season. After extensive negotiations with the three local clubs involved, Shildon came out on top thanks largely to the facilities both currently available and proposed at this venue.
However, the Board wish to place on record their thanks to all three clubs – West Auckland, Crook Town and Shildon - for their support during the discussions.
1st February, 2002 - Board of Directors
· WVDC re-iterated their support for the College scheme and will not readily change 'horses'
· WVDC are not saying they do not support the BAFC bid but have clearly worked long and hard with the College
· WVDC want the Football Foundation to make the decision on the basis of the 'appropriateness' of the two bids. In summary the Club is aware that of the two bids the one from the college does have a 'WVDC approved' badge and whilst this could be a disadvantage for BAFC, it may not end up as a key factor. I think we can expect real, tangible support from the Council in the coming months. The Club will now meet the regional FA representative as soon as we can to progress.
5th November 2001 - Northern Echo
Loyal supporters are getting behind an off-the-pitch battle. to secure the future of a famous local football club.
The board of ten-times Amateur Cup winners Bishop Auckland FC is pinning its hopes for survival on a decision taken eight years ago to quit one of the worst grounds in the country and build one of the best a few miles away, on reclaimed pit land at Tindale Crescent.
Plans for the move from Kingsway depend on the club getting massive amounts of grant money, and it is pinning its hopes on a £1.3m bid to grassroots soccer funders the Football Foundation and another FA and Government-backed scheme for improving football stadia.
But fans fear this could be wrecked by a second grass roots project planned at Bishop Auckland College, which applied for funding before the club and is backed by Wear Valley District Council.
Both bids have been deferred by the foundation, which is due to meet representatives of the club and the council later this month.
The biggest crowd of the season, at Kingsway on Saturday, pledged support for the Bishops, and hundreds of people outside the club have signed an Independent Supporters’ Club petition urging the council to champion its cause.
Council leader Councillor Olive Brown denied that the authority’s support for the college scheme meant that it had turned its back on the football club. -
She said: “The last thing we want is to see Bishop Auckland go down. Of course they have the full support of the council - they always have had. But there has been a lot of rumour and innuendo about the council’s role in this and that has to-stop."
“We have always been open about our plans and the club should have known about the college project. It has never been a secret. I, personally, am disappointed that the stadium has not been built before now. The important thing is to move forward and work in partnership to get the best possible solution for the football club.”
Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster met club board members on Friday and will hold a second meeting with Sports Minister Richard Caborn this week.
He said: “We are all totally committed to the relocaton of the ground and to getting the biggest grants that we can so these matters can be sorted out as soon as possible!"
One of the country’s most famous football clubs is holding a series of crisis talks over fears that it's dream of building a £1.3m ground could collapse.
The board of ten-time FA Amateur Cup winners Bishop Auckland told MP Derek Foster this week that its future is at stake. The club has spent eight years drawing up plans for a move from its historic Kingsway ground to a 1000 seat stadium on reclaimed pit land at Tindale Crescent.
It claims its ambitious plans for grassroots sports and community facilities will give Bishop Auckland a flagship development which will be the envy of clubs across the country.
The club could qualify for up to £150,000 from the Football Stadium Improvement Fund, which can award another £100,000 to cover relocation costs.
But, following talks with the foundation last week, board members fear that its bid to the foundation for grassroots facilities could lose out to a separate
£lm project, submitted in September 2000 by Bishop Auckland College and St John’s RC School.
This is for 11 pitches, changing rooms and a floodlit playing surface and is supported by both Wear Valley District and Durham County Councils.
The district has countered supporters’ claims that it is not backing the club and has arranged a meeting with board members and the foundation on November 19.
At the same time, the foundation insists the bids are not rivals and both could be successful.
Mr Foster discussed the issue with Sports Minister Richard Caborn on Thursday, and will meet with him again next week. He said "It is vital that we secure the future of this historic club which is important not only to the town but to the whole country."
Bishop Auckland chairman Tony Duffy said on Thursday "Bishop Auckland Football Club is known throughout the country. We would be associating our name with a flagship project for a deprived area of Wear Valley which would benefit the whole community."
Supporters chairman Allan Barkas said fans would be signing a petition at today' home game. He said "We are very concerned. There is a great passion for this club which has a great history, and we will do everything we can to see it survive."
Application for Funding – Update 26 October
The bid for funding for the new development at Tindale Crescent was formally presented by the plan development team to representatives of the FA and the Football Foundation on 25 October and was well received.
Funds are available from both bodies for the scheme, but no decision will be reached on the proposal until 11 November at the very earliest.
Even though a letter of support has been received from Wear Valley District Council for the grass-roots development, the council are officially backing an alternative scheme involving Bishop Auckland College and St. John’s Comprehensive who wish to use the funding to improve playing fields and build an all-weather facility on the existing area around the college. At present this rival bid has not been formally submitted and has not been granted planning permission.
Without this rival bid being in place the submission from BAFC would almost certainly progress.
The urgency of the bid is emphasised by the current state of Kingsway. It is thought unlikely that a safety certificate will be forthcoming for the 2002/3 season, and no funding is available to complete remedial work to bring the ground up to standard. This raises serious question marks over where the club will be playing next year.
The proposed BAFC scheme would provide flagship facilities for all areas of the community with teams and coaching covering age groups from six upwards for both sexes between 9am and 9pm seven days a week. Whilst the rival bid would undoubtedly improve the grossly underused facilities at the College, the BAFC scheme would provide brand new state of the art facilities and would also help to regenerate one of the more deprived areas of the town. It would also be available to all members of the community at all times.
At present it looks as if the actions of Wear Valley District Council will result in the town being denied this facility.
A meeting was held at Kingsway tonight involving members of the board, the development team, the working committee and the Independent Supporters’ Club where those present were briefed on the latest situation. Club representatives will also be present at the next Independent Supporters’ Club meeting on Monday 29th to discuss this matter, and to answer questions.
Your support will be required to help overturn the council’s current position. A full statement from the club will be available soon. Watch this space !
Famous soccer club facing new survival battle
Football fans are being urged to send in a mountain of mail to save an historic North East club. Ten times Amateur Cup winners Bishop Auckland need an army of supporters to write in backing their bid for cash so that they can quit their famous Kingsway ground for a new £1.1m stadium just outside the town at Tindale Crescent.
Promoters of the bid say the next five weeks will be crucial for the club which could fold if their ambitious plans fail to find favour with the FA backed Football Foundation next month.
Club chairman Tony Duffy posted letters to 200 businesses yesterday and urged fans throughout the region to support the development.
Malcolm Parker, who advised the club’s board, said: “I see Bishop Auckland Football Club disappearing if this bid is not successful. We have to move from Kingsway. It does not comply with FA Cup or Conference league standards and we aim to be in the Conference within three years. Bishop Auckland is a hotbed of football and there are a lot of skilled players who find success with other clubs.”
“We have dreams of fulfilling the FA's philosophy of developing the sport at grass roots level with nine coaching programmes for boys and girls from seven to 15. We envisage our own women’s side, and academy for 16 and 17 year olds and a reserve tea. But this is about more than football. There will be facilities for health education, fitness and diet classes, and a conference room for 200 to 300 people. It would be a superb facility in tone of the most deprived wards in County Durham and the whole of the country.”
Mr. Parker’s 20-year-old daughter, Sarah, has undertaken research for the bid for her PE and Social Science studies at York University. Letters of support should be sent to her art the Kingsway Ground, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL14 7JN.
22nd August, 2001 - Northern Echo
£850,000 bid for dream stadium
Bishop Auckland Football Club is preparing a business plan in the hope it can get a £850,000 grant front the Football Foundation, in London. Plans are already being prepared for the club to build a 10,000 capacity ground in Tindale Crescent, West Auckland.
Outline planning permission for the site was renewed by Wear Valley District Council on Friday, after the time limit on the first proposal had lapsed.
Club chairman Tony Duffy, said: “We are definitely nearer than we have ever been in the past to getting that stadium built. We needed to have planning permission before we could apply for the grant.”
It is estimated that the new stadium will cost £1.1m, and the club is looking to sell its present site for £150,000. Mr Duffy said: “We will hopefully apply for the grant in September. It is vital that we get it. Without it we cannot go ahead with the stadium because we will not get enough from the sale of our present site.”
He said the club would be looking for other grants to help complete the work, and expressed hope that the team would step out on to new turf in time for next season. He said: “We are hoping this season will see some movement. I would love to think we would be kicking off the season after this one in the new stadium. We have said this before, and it is difficult to pinpoint a time when work will start. There are a lot of vital points to get past.”
Mr Duffy said the club could not continue without moving to a new stadium because the present ground did not have the facilities needed to permit promotion from the Unibond League. The ultimate dream is to see the club which is steeped in history and has a close affiliation with Manchester United, get back to its winning ways and move through the divisions.
20th June, 2001 - Northern Echo
The realisation of Bishop Auckland's new stadium at Tindale Crescent has taken a step forward with the submission of revised plans to Wear Valley Council.
"The plans have to be re-submitted after five years, but there will be some minor alterations," said club chairman Tony Duffy. "The sale of the football end of our Kingsway ground is still open to offers. It could be for housing or commercial development."
1st June, 2001 - Herald & Post
Sale of a Century for Elated Bishops
Bishop Auckland have taken a massive step forward in their stop-start bid to move across town to a plush new home. The funding is falling into place for the ambitious move and next season could be the last Bishops will play at the famous Kingsway ground.
But club chiefs have warned that there is still a long way to go in a complicated process that has already taken a frustrating five years to unravel. The UniBond League club hope to realise their dream of Conference football by leaving their home of a century for a state of the art new home at Tindale Crescent. It would meet the stringent criteria of the higher league, provide cutting edge facilities for the club and - more importantly - help generate crucial income.
The long mooted move seems finally to be happening. The board has now completed a complex new application to fund the stadium. The bid is via the Football Foundation but includes significant funding from several areas, not least the sale of the shared Kingsway site. The board has confirmed that progress through the initial phases has been successful, but admit there is still much to be done in the next few months as the plans and the finance are fine tuned.
Kingsway - or the football club's share of it at least -was put on the market in March valued at £300,000 and Bishops need to make a sale to help fund the move. Chairman Tony Duffy said, "We have agreed with the cricket club the Church Commissioners the dimensions of the site for sale and are asking £300,000. When the ground is sold we can finance the Lottery bid. There has been a lot of interest and we are confident."
Duffy is unable to put a timescale on the project but said "We are talking of a minimum of 18 months. Next season may be the last at Kingsway, but we've had a few false alarms already. These things can take a long time. But at least we're moving now. Hopefully this is a big step towards our target."
13th May, 2001
The BAFC board has recently been busying itself with a new application to fund the new stadium at Tindale Crescent.
This new bid is being progressed via the Football Foundation and includes significant assistance from a number of areas.
The application process involves numerous phases and the Board is pleased to confirm that progress through the initial phases has been successful. However, there is a lot of work to be done in the coming weeks as further detail is added to the application.
18th March, 2001
Three bids have been received for Kingsway which are currently being considered. A grant application is to be lodged with the Football Foundation this week. (Thanks to Tony Lee for this information).
26th January, 2001
Message from BAFC Board: SALE OF KINGSWAY (FOOTBALL)
After lengthy discussion the club is pleased to announce that the relevant part of Kingsway is now officially on the market.
Apart from a small part of the Dellwood end, the area for sale is mainly the football terracing and the main stand and therefore largely excludes the current playing area.
The sale is being handled by Ashley Smith of Durham and the minimum asking price is £300,000.
The supporters of the club will be pleased to know that the sale has already attracted significant interest. Any questions on the sale of the ground should be directed to chairman Tony Duffy.
26th January, 2001 – Northern Echo
Kingsway up for sale as Bishops plan move
Bishop Auckland edged another step closer to moving to their new ground after Kingsway officially went on sale this week. Bishops need the income from their part of the sale of the ground to go towards the funding of their proposed new ground at Tindale Crescent.
Bishop Auckland chairman Tony Duffy said: “We bad a survey of the ground done just before Christmas, which supplied us with the dimensions of the area to be put up for sale. They have been agreed with the cricket club and the church Commissioners. We then got in touch with our estate agents, who have put the ground officially up for sale, asking for offers of £300,000. We will be entitled to a share of the proceeds, along with the cricket club and Church Commissioners. And when the ground is sold, then we can finance the Lottery bid. There has been a lot of interest so far, and any calls I’ve had, I’ve passed on to the estate agent.”
Duffy is unable to put an accurate timescale on the proposed sale and move, but he said: “We are talking of a minimum of eighteen months, probably longer. Next season may be the last at Kingsway, but we’ve had a few false alarms already. These things, just like the sale of a house, can take a long time. Even when we have a purchaser of the football ground, we still have to wait three months for a lottery bid. But at least we’re moving now. Hopefully, this is a big step forward towards our target.”
The move to a new ground was first mooted around five years ago. The cricket club will be staying put on their part of Kingsway, and whoever purchases the land must provide a perimiter wall and protective netting for the cricket club.
10th August, 2000
The new ground project was discussed at length at the AGM. On a positive note, agreement has been reached with the Church Commissioners and the cricket club on the split of proceeds from the sale. The sale has been complicated now by the proposed purchaser’s attempts to acquire Durham County Council land in addition to the area covered by the football field. No start date can be set until agreement is reached on this matter. No grants can be claimed until a start date is set. A meeting later this week between representatives of the club and the purchaser may clarify the situation further.
Chairman Tony Duffy stated that a groundshare was not an issue at this stage. Kingsway would not be sold without the new ground funding being in place.
27th May 2000
The new ground site at Tindale Crescent appears almost untouched since the site was leveled in 1998. The only recent additions are the fence and drainage ditch (bottom left of picture).
