Post by gw on Jun 1, 2007 12:58:27 GMT -1
The firm behind the redevelopment of Wrexham FC's ground has said the scheme is on hold while revised plans are submitted to the borough council.
London-based MacNiven Cameron said it was "fully committed" to plans for a new stand, homes and shops and the delay would only be up to six weeks.
Plans were revised after concerns from some councillors over building heights.
Jason Hurkett May, of MacNiven Cameron, said: "We are taking a step back to take two steps forward."
The proposed project, which has been given outline planning permission, includes a new all-seated stand at the Kop end of the existing ground, as well as shops, apartments and a restaurant.
The redevelopment of the Kop has outline permission
But Mr May said a re-designed proposal would now be submitted, following concerns from planning officials and a "change" in the housing market.
He said one of the concerns was over the height of one of the apartment blocks.
The revised plan will include a mix of town houses and apartments with the student accommodation located closer to the nearby North East Wales Institute.
Wrexham FC hope to receive public funding towards the cost of building the new stand as part of their plan to make the Racecourse the "Millennium Stadium of the North."
"Extremely confident"
The revised plans will include more details on the proposed new stand, which Mr May said would allow that project to proceed "at the same tempo, instead of being a piecemeal development."
He added: "We are extremely confident that the redesign will bring lots of improvements to the scheme and address a number of issues and concerns that have been raised about the project."
Mr Dickens (left) says the scheme will go ahead as planned
Wrexham FC owner Neville Dickens said he was confident the development would be carried out according to the original timetable.
Lawrence Isted, Wrexham's chief planning officer, said the council was in negotiation with the developers.
He added: "We have raised concerns in respect of various aspects of the scheme and are awaiting additional information. If amended plans are received further consultation will take place."
Despite fears among some fans, Mr May insisted the redevelopment would not threaten the historic Turf Hotel alongside the Racecourse.
London-based MacNiven Cameron said it was "fully committed" to plans for a new stand, homes and shops and the delay would only be up to six weeks.
Plans were revised after concerns from some councillors over building heights.
Jason Hurkett May, of MacNiven Cameron, said: "We are taking a step back to take two steps forward."
The proposed project, which has been given outline planning permission, includes a new all-seated stand at the Kop end of the existing ground, as well as shops, apartments and a restaurant.
The redevelopment of the Kop has outline permission
But Mr May said a re-designed proposal would now be submitted, following concerns from planning officials and a "change" in the housing market.
He said one of the concerns was over the height of one of the apartment blocks.
The revised plan will include a mix of town houses and apartments with the student accommodation located closer to the nearby North East Wales Institute.
Wrexham FC hope to receive public funding towards the cost of building the new stand as part of their plan to make the Racecourse the "Millennium Stadium of the North."
"Extremely confident"
The revised plans will include more details on the proposed new stand, which Mr May said would allow that project to proceed "at the same tempo, instead of being a piecemeal development."
He added: "We are extremely confident that the redesign will bring lots of improvements to the scheme and address a number of issues and concerns that have been raised about the project."
Mr Dickens (left) says the scheme will go ahead as planned
Wrexham FC owner Neville Dickens said he was confident the development would be carried out according to the original timetable.
Lawrence Isted, Wrexham's chief planning officer, said the council was in negotiation with the developers.
He added: "We have raised concerns in respect of various aspects of the scheme and are awaiting additional information. If amended plans are received further consultation will take place."
Despite fears among some fans, Mr May insisted the redevelopment would not threaten the historic Turf Hotel alongside the Racecourse.