Chester set to unveil state-of-the-art stadium plans

Sep 20 2008 by Neil Turner, Liverpool Daily Post

CHESTER CITY will unveil a multi-million pound scheme to extend the Deva Stadium tomorrow.

If approved the stadium and its surrounding area will become one of the most prestigious business and sporting facilities in the area.

The plan is to transform the Deva to include a four-tier stadium, office facilities, a gymnasium, cafes and bistros, as well as retail outlets.

City owner Stephen Vaughan, along with potential project developers Property First Asset Management Limited, has been instrumental in drawing up the plans and PFAM managing director Gary Metcalf said: “The potential of the club is huge and if we are given the opportunity then it would have a big impact on the club, its fans, the local community and the council.

“The council will earn a lot of money, as they own the stadium, but the club will benefit the most as it will be allowed to grow and reach its potential both on and off the pitch.”

Robson Lloyd are also tendering for the development rights and when City’s directors have announced their preferred bidder they will submit the plans to the council for approval.

Vaughan said last night: “This is an extremely exciting project and the main beneficiary will be Chester City Football Club, because all the profits will be ploughed back into the club.

“It will be on a par with a number of top Championship clubs.”

Images of the proposed development will be printed in tomorrow’s match programme, for the Coca-Cola League Two all-ticket game against Shrewsbury Town at the Deva.

Both sides have recorded impressive results in the past few weeks, with Chester unbeaten in their last three matches, having gleaned seven points from the last nine on offer.

Asked if he could put his finger on why City have improved of late, manager Simon Davies said: “We’ve worked harder as a team. Instead of going out and just thinking we can play football, we have actually earned the right to do so in the last few games. Added to that is the quality in front of goal.”

Defenders Paul Linwood and Lawrence Wilson are fit to play, and striker Paul Taylor has recovered from the effects of a nasty bout of food poisoning.

Chester City (probable): Danby, J Vaughan, Linwood, Roberts, Wilson, Hughes, Mozika, S Vaughan, Lowe, Taylor, Ellison. Subs (from): Kelly, Partridge, Barry, Harris, McManus, Mannix.