4 hours Ago
The Shrimpers are currently 17th in the National League standings. But work is being done off the pitch by the consortium to try and move the club forward. Here is what we learnt from the latest statement.
: Kevin Maher's squad have been using the Fossetts training ground pitches for the majority of their training sessions since earlier this month. But more work is planned. “Temporary welfare units are onsite, pending the implementation of the amended planning permission that was obtained on 10 September, enabling us to bring nine cabins on site to house the first team," explained Lawrence.
“Our groundwork contractor will start to mobilise next week on a 10-week programme. "Once the groundworks and drainage are complete, the cabins will then need to be brought to site and fitted out. "The aim is to have the facility fully operational before the end of January 2025, with the players utilising showers and changing facilities at Boots & Laces until then.
" The consortium have taken several steps to try and improve the facilities on offer at Roots Hall. Lawrence explained: “In the West Stand we have created a new exit to the West bar which has increased the bar capacity by 100 per cent, reducing queues and alleviating some of the pressure on the bar. “We have also made an application to position a container to serve alcohol at the rear of the West Stand.
"An additional outlet should improve speed of service and reduce queues. Provided we are granted a liquor licence, we hope to have the new bar operating this side of Christmas. Work has also been done in the East Stand.
Lawrence revealed: “On the East Stand we have installed air conditioning in the Far Post Bar and we have decorated the Legends Lounge and Captains Bar, complete with fresh mosaics depicting former players and former managers (plus Kev). “We have also introduced Sky Sports across all the bars - with a view to opening bars earlier and closing later, encouraging fans to spend more time at the club - more details to follow on this.” Elsewhere at the stadium there could soon be improvements made to the floodlights.
Lawrence said: “We have made an application to convert our gas floodlights to more efficient LEDs. Replacing the lamps (the towers will not be touched) will help reduce our carbon footprint and will save costs, we aim to install new floodlights in the early part of next year." And there are more long-terms plans.
Lawrence said: “The initiatives above represent short term wins, however, we are aware of the need to undertake more substantial works to the ground to improve fan experience and help us move towards a sustainable/breakeven position. “Those medium-term works will include the construction of a Fan Zone (location yet to be determined), improving facilities in the West and South Stands and the replacement of the East Stand. “These very substantial works will run into many millions of pounds and require a lot of planning and input from architects, other professionals and our fans.
" And work is continuing where that is concerned. Lawrence said: “We are in the process of developing a scope of works document and we are taking steps to understand the non-matchday market which will enable us to prepare a draft masterplan setting out how we best utilise the space at Roots Hall, ensuring an exceptional matchday experience, good community connections and a thriving non-matchday business. "Supporters will form an important part of the consultation process in respect of the medium-term works and once we have prepared a draft scope of works (having obtained advice from architects and other professionals) we will publish that and thereafter embark on a comprehensive consultation process.
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