Stadium Plans

[Sussex Wolf]

all were infinitely better than where Wolverhampton is, and i worked in the city for 8 years. I also lived on the Wirral for 28 years and know Liverpool well.

they’ve promised regeneration countless times, and it’s never happened. So it might be tried and tested, but im willing to bet in a decade it’s no better.

Yeah, I am not disagreeing in general. Wolverhampton has had decades of false dawns when it comes to investment and regeneration, and has instead gone backwards.

I think a large difference between what’s just been announced and what the council have paraded before, is the scale of the projects, and the fact that they are already privately funded and supported by the council. All those council visions of various parts of Wolverhampton being redeveloped in the past, were aspirational plans intended to attract investors. These projects are funded by developers through a coordinated investment programme, and the fund backing it, has capital and experience. Could still fall through or fail to make the difference hoped, but my sense is that there is enough here to act as a catalyst for other investors to take an interest in the other development sites such as the Molineux Quarter.

Anyway as SBK says, fingers crossed.

 

[Coshamwolves]

Can't blame the council for not getting the other corner stand done at the South bank end ... Especially as they granted the planning permission for it to be done...

Yep, that should tell us everything that they let the 3 year planning for the SE quadrant to run out last year.

 

[lets all have a disco]

Yep, that should tell us everything letting the 3 year planning they had for the SE quadrant to run out last year.

Obviously it was COVID as well....just the blame was being levelled towards the council for fosun ground plans ......I'm a massive Fosun fan from a football point of view ..but I can't back them with the ground issue...cause they aye done nowt.....

I get the reason for and against it....but for me we have never had a better opportunity to grow as a club and that's in terms of attendance and facilities....I don't expect a brand new shiny ground but some improvements as in another corner at least....

 

[WickedWolfie]

I was in Leicester City centre the other month for work and was shocked at the City Centre when comparing to Wolves, while not perfect it was lively, loads of shops, bars, restaurants, events bars, bustling and looked a place to visit, Wolves without doubt is a 'dump' ........its ours and will always defend it against others but it is not the best

I was a student in Leicester in the early 80s. While always a decent city centre it was then inferior to Wolvo. Now it is streets ahead.

 

[Coshamwolves]

Obviously it was COVID as well....just the blame was being levelled towards the council for fosun ground plans ......I'm a massive Fosun fan from a football point of view ..but I can't back them with the ground issue...cause they aye done nowt.....

I get the reason for and against it....but for me we have never had a better opportunity to grow as a club and that's in terms of attendance and facilities....I don't expect a brand new shiny ground but some improvements as in another corner at least....

Yeah and if they had the slightest inclination they could`ve got an extension on that 3 year planning.

 

[lets all have a disco]

Yeah and if they had the slightest inclination they could`ve got an extension on that 3 year planning.

I wanted a proper corner built when the current temporary stand broke down 18 months or so ago.....that's was the opportunity for me to build a proper corner which allinged with the billy Wright....it was in an area of the ground that had the space, was an area that was probably not going to affect any future development and could have been done for not much cost ... probably putting in 2k seats with a roof.....it was the ideal time....and they just stuck the old one back up.

 

[Sussex Wolf]

I wanted a proper corner built when the current temporary stand broke down 18 months or so ago.....that's was the opportunity for me to build a proper corner which allinged with the billy Wright....it was in an area of the ground that had the space, was an area that was probably not going to affect any future development and could have been done for not much cost ... probably putting in 2k seats with a roof.....it was the ideal time....and they just stuck the old one back up.

100% this. It’s a disgrace they didn’t take the opportunity to build a cheap permanent covered corner. Made worse by the time they took to rebuild the old temporary structure with no improvements!

I’m pleased they didn’t renew the SE corner application. The application showed something a bit better than the Graham Hughes, but still uncovered, small and an embarrassment for a PL club.

 

[lets all have a disco]

100% this. It’s a disgrace they didn’t take the opportunity to build a cheap permanent covered corner. Made worse by the time they took to rebuild the old temporary structure with no improvements!

I’m pleased they didn’t renew the SE corner application. The application showed something a bit better than the Graham Hughes, but still uncovered, small and an embarrassment for a PL club.

Probably could have got 2k seats in there if they would have followed the rake of upper tier in the billy Wright round... obviously the corner would have been raised on the south bank but it could have worked.... Chelsea have a couple of corners similar

 

[Oakhamwolf]

I remember reading an article from the people who upgraded the PA system 4 or 5 years ago, they set up various systems for a trial on the pitch and expected Wolves to go with the multi speaker array arrangement seen at a lot grounds now, and were disappointed that Wolves chose the very cheapest of systems, and left the North Bank with a system that didn’t match. I remember thinking then they are always going to do the bare minimum.

 

[Berlin Wolf]

100% this. It’s a disgrace they didn’t take the opportunity to build a cheap permanent covered corner. Made worse by the time they took to rebuild the old temporary structure with no improvements!

I’m pleased they didn’t renew the SE corner application. The application showed something a bit better than the Graham Hughes, but still uncovered, small and an embarrassment for a PL club.

Sussex, I actually wanted the SE Corner built, so an extra 500 Wolves fans could get tickets per game. But, only if absolutely nothing else was going to be built, a redeveloped Steve Bull or South Bank, for years to come. Thinking, if redevelopment eventually did happen, it was only a 750k temp stand to demolish anyway. So, to get an x number of years out of it, wouldn't have been too wasteful. If it had been constructed in 2021, we would be getting seasons out of it already!

 

[Oldgoldilox]

As an avid gig goer (music being my other big leisure pursuit away from wolves) it is bizarre they’ve got rid of the side bars, it is now very much like going to the Brum Academy a mare to get a beer. Price wise for tickets and beer the same as anywhere else for a gig so I’ve no issue with that. As for numbers in attendance, again no difference to brum academy and will be in line with the fire regulations set by the fire brigade. It’s an awful waste of money spent on it though when in real terms it just needed tarting up a bit

Well my Mrs is a short **** so we've been up on the balconies when we've been and had no problem getting drinks, we're going to be ground floor for the OMD gig though but I'll still be going upstairs for a pint

 

[Wandsworth Wolf]

Re the latter part, I’m not clued up enough to offer comment though I was told by my ITK that a lot of the “noise” about council involvement in development was with Laurie Dalrymple and plays a part in why he’s no longer here (though I also know from several sources he was deeply disliked within the club), he definitely jumped before he was pushed

A friend of mine’s son plays for Harlequins. She hasn’t got anything nice to say about Laurie either. She shared a few stories which made me re-evaluate my (previously positive) view of him.

 

[Oldgoldilox]

I remember reading an article from the people who upgraded the PA system 4 or 5 years ago, they set up various systems for a trial on the pitch and expected Wolves to go with the multi speaker array arrangement seen at a lot grounds now, and were disappointed that Wolves chose the very cheapest of systems, and left the North Bank with a system that didn’t match. I remember thinking then they are always going to do the bare minimum.

Don't suppose you have a link to this still? I'm a North banker and without doubt the pa is shocking.

 

[Sussex Wolf]

Sussex, I actually wanted the SE Corner built, so an extra 500 Wolves fans could get tickets per game. But, only if absolutely nothing else was going to be built, a redeveloped Steve Bull or South Bank, for years to come. Thinking, if redevelopment eventually did happen, it was only a 750k temp stand to demolish anyway. So, to get an x number of years out of it, wouldn't have been too wasteful. If it had been constructed in 2021, we would be getting seasons out of it already!

I see the logic, but unlike the GH which can be dismantled in a day or two, the SE Corner was a semi permanent structure. But one without a roof or proper facilities.

 

[Oakhamwolf]

Don't suppose you have a link to this still? I'm a North banker and without doubt the pa is shocking.

Extracts I found - T.G.Baker, the Glasgow and Blackburn-based audio specialists, has a substantial track record in specifying stadium sound reinforcement systems, with more than 20 venues on their reference list. For Molineux Stadium, project manager Andrew Plunkett had established that a full line array solution, while desirable, did not fit with the project budget, and was looking for a point-source solution. For the first time, he included NEXO on the list of options. Although NEXO is a world-leading manufacturer of stadium line-array solutions, this is the only the second time a complete football stadium has been equipped with the single 15” 2-way PS model, with incremental savings for the budget because of the relatively small number of amplifiers required - So we went against the recommended system, and became only the 2nd Stadium they have worked on to just have single speakers. Not that any of this really matters, it shows that even back then maybe 2018, it would just be the bare minimum going forward. Just put some paint on the stands, tidy up the street furniture around the ground and perhaps put some artwork on the back of the Steve Bull, to cover up the drab glass.

 

[Worcester Sauce]

In terms of planning permission lapsing. It doesn’t really matter. Nothing has changed drastically in terms of national policy and is unlikely to any time soon. If Fosun wanted to they could reapply and easily get permission again within a few months. Why they aren’t interested only they know.

 

[Wolf316]

Don't suppose you have a link to this still? I'm a North banker and without doubt the pa is shocking.

It’s **** in the BW upper too

 

[SteveBullsKnee]

A friend of mine’s son plays for Harlequins. She hasn’t got anything nice to say about Laurie either. She shared a few stories which made me re-evaluate my (previously positive) view of him.

I know two people who had almost daily dealings with him. Useless and arrogant is the theme. Seduced a load of Wolves fans by buying them a beer at an away game

 

[WinchWolf]

The best thing to do is cram then in like Spurs do but provide the facilities that make the fan like a kid in a sweet shop.....I spend next to nothing in every ground I go to but when I visit spurs I can't stop spending.....the variety of food is excellent and basically you can get a much drink as you want cause you aye gotta que etc.....im eating fish n chips , constant drinks for an hour n half before kick off and half time...spend a fortune

I occasionally get low level corporate tickets at saints, decent seats 2 beers and a meal from one of 5 stands serving different sorts of food. It's always sold out. The indoor areas are only slightly larger than the NB concourse with a number of standup tables and a few seats. I'm sure something like this without work

I used to work in Basingstoke and I attended a number of events such as Xmas parties at Reading.

Corporate doesn't have to mean boxes.

 

[lets all have a disco]

I occasionally get low level corporate tickets at saints, decent seats 2 beers and a meal from one of 5 stands serving different sorts of food. It's always sold out. The indoor areas are only slightly larger than the NB concourse with a number of standup tables and a few seats. I'm sure something like this without work

I used to work in Basingstoke and I attended a number of events such as Xmas parties at Reading.

Corporate doesn't have to mean boxes.

Yes football is changing with the times.
.people will spend if the facilities are ok....you will always get some though who will just pop up to match and not send a penny while they are there...such as I do with home games as I only live 2 mile away....and I'm getting too old to be in the **** every weekend....

I class myself as a loyal fan but as far as wolves are concerned they get the ticket money off me , every season for every game ..but get nowt else....I Dow buy a drink , a shirt, anything......

 

[Henry Palfrey]

Wolves Council have approved £15m upgrade of the Moon Under Water with 90 odd hotel rooms!

 

[IANWILSON]

Well my Mrs is a short **** so we've been up on the balconies when we've been and had no problem getting drinks, we're going to be ground floor for the OMD gig though but I'll still be going upstairs for a pint

Same here. Was upstairs to see The Charlatans recently. Getting a beer was a breeze.

 

[Sussex Wolf]

Had my first visit to Stamford Bridge tonight to watch Boro get thoroughly hammered by Chelsea. Have to say that I liked Stamford Bridge. Felt like a proper football stadium, with good transport connections. In fact it made me think it’s a lot like Molineux would be if we properly filled in the corners, sorted out the concourses in the three older stands, and fitted a proper sound system. It’s a shame that it’s likely going to get bulldozed in due course and replaced with a larger and less characterful ground.

I’ll ignore the plastic fans who occupied most of the Chelsea end. Luckily it was a bit noisier in the Away end!

 

[WolfLing]

Wolves Council have approved £15m upgrade of the Moon Under Water with 90 odd hotel rooms!

Wonder if they’ll charge by the hour like the Britannia (so I’ve heard).

 

[Kashmire Hawker]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1750279938555412983

Image from this site

Molineux Quarter Campus Masterplan - Glancy Nicholls Architects

A strategy for the expansion of the Molineux Campus for the University of Wolverhampton, Glancy Nicholls Architects

www.glancynicholls.com

 

[Sussex Wolf]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1750279938555412983

Image from this site

Molineux Quarter Campus Masterplan - Glancy Nicholls Architects

A strategy for the expansion of the Molineux Campus for the University of Wolverhampton, Glancy Nicholls Architects

www.glancynicholls.com

Now if all of that could get funded, and proceed, it would be brilliant.

I did notice an interesting thing looking at Molineux itself. The Steve Bull lower remains curved to the pitch in that concept image.

 

[YouGottaRaulWithIt]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1750279938555412983

Image from this site

Molineux Quarter Campus Masterplan - Glancy Nicholls Architects

A strategy for the expansion of the Molineux Campus for the University of Wolverhampton, Glancy Nicholls Architects

www.glancynicholls.com

This reads like a rehash of old ideas with some very old photos.

 

[Sussex Wolf]

This reads like a rehash of old ideas with some very old photos.

Old photos?

 

[Sussex Wolf]

 

[Oldgoldilox]

Same here. Was upstairs to see The Charlatans recently. Getting a beer was a breeze.

Not many at £7 a pop though eh?

 

[Worcester Sauce]

Worth remembering that they are just concept images.

The finished product will almost certainly look fairly different to what is on these images, that are just artists impressions really.

 

[Sussex Wolf]

Worth remembering that they are just concept images.

The finished product will almost certainly look fairly different to what is on these images, that are just artists impressions really.

Yes, a very valid point.

In fact it’s stated on the architect site that is a masterplan for the area, not specific plans for Molineux or any of the new Uni buildings shown. It’s clear the Molineux shown is the same 50k one Fosun showed pre pandemic, so best not to read too much into the stadium design based on those images. As one of the partners behind Molineux Quarter, Wolves would have supplied the architect with their existing concept images, and the architects here have just weaved them into their new masterplan.

What is new, is the whole setting, which has evolved significantly from the original Molineux Quarter concept images, with large new public spaces behind the South Bank and the North Bank. Where the restaurants were originally shown, is now a new multi storey on the old Tarmac site, which makes a lot of sense, and is inline with the council’s wish to build a new modern multi storey on this side of the centre. The new pedestrian connection to the civic centre and city centre is excellent, and would finally reconnect Molineux properly and massively improve matchday access, as well as creating a better space for a large fan zone in addition to the one shown behind the North Bank. To be honest, if they actually created that whole masterplan, Molineux would have one of the best settings of any club football ground.

The question is will the partners be able to tap into that £2.6bn pot to realise this alongside the other projects announced for the city last week? Fingers crossed.

 

[YouGottaRaulWithIt]

Old photos?

Yep, I remember the tents, a couple of years back. Some wit commented that it would be the only marque signing we were likely to make.

 

[Sussex Wolf]

Yep, I remember the tents, a couple of years back. Some wit commented that it would be the only marque signing we were likely to make.

That’s because the Molineux Quarter masterplan was developed as part of the investment prospectus for Wolverhampton which was launched then. It was announced last week that £2.6bn worth of funding had been obtained to move ahead with some of the projects in that prospectus, and if you read the press articles, the University stated its wish to proceed with its part, which is a core part of Molineux Quarter.

Wolverhampton secures £2.6bn worth of city living projects | TheBusinessDesk.com

Plans are expected to generate 6,500 homes and 4,000 jobs

www.thebusinessdesk.com

The original investment prospectus is still live and active

Wolverhampton Investment Prospectus | Invest in Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton Investment Prospectus.

www.investwolverhampton.com

 

[WolfLing]

Great!

This will be penciled in to be done once they've started and finished the Westside development on the old market site.

 

[YouGottaRaulWithIt]

That’s because the Molineux Quarter masterplan was developed as part of the investment prospectus for Wolverhampton which was launched then. It was announced last week that £2.6bn worth of funding had been obtained to move ahead with some of the projects in that prospectus, and if you read the press articles, the University stated its wish to proceed with its part, which is a core part of Molineux Quarter.

Wolverhampton secures £2.6bn worth of city living projects | TheBusinessDesk.com

Plans are expected to generate 6,500 homes and 4,000 jobs

www.thebusinessdesk.com

The original investment prospectus is still live and active

Wolverhampton Investment Prospectus | Invest in Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton Investment Prospectus.

www.investwolverhampton.com

Thanks for the clarification. Am I right in thinking that the fact that the University wish to develop its part of the plan doesn't include the stadium. Nice to see the new images, but they are just that. Unless Fosun put up some money the ground will keep on crumbling.

 

[SingYourHeartsOut]

It's all *******s isn't it? The Uni has no money and don't need the massive expansion of accommodation either side of the Stafford Rd. Even in the unlikely event they did, it's completely separate from the development of Molineux, which Fosun clearly have no interest in currently. So, much as I enjoy a hypothetical chat, don't believe any of this is remotely likely to happen.

 

[wolvesjoe]

Thanks for the clarification. Am I right in thinking that the fact that the University wish to develop its part of the plan doesn't include the stadium. Nice to see the new images, but they are just that. Unless Fosun put up some money the ground will keep on crumbling.

Think the Abu Dhabi connection may come into play here

 

[Sussex Wolf]

Thanks for the clarification. Am I right in thinking that the fact that the University wish to develop its part of the plan doesn't include the stadium. Nice to see the new images, but they are just that. Unless Fosun put up some money the ground will keep on crumbling.

If the Uni did proceed with the student village, the associated pedestrian square over the ring road, and redevelopment of the Asda site, then all of that could happen without any work being done on the stadium. What it would do however, is to remove the council’s access objections to expanding Molineux significantly, and make Molineux a more attractive location for potential stadium investor to come in and join Fosun. So the Uni getting investment doesn’t help the stadium directly, but it does indirectly.

 

[WolfLing]

If the Uni did proceed with the student village, the associated pedestrian square over the ring road, and redevelopment of the Asda site, then all of that could happen without any work being done on the stadium. What it would do however, is to remove the council’s access objections to expanding Molineux significantly, and make Molineux a more attractive location for potential stadium investor to come in and join Fosun. So the Uni getting investment doesn’t help the stadium directly, but it does indirectly.

Yes, agreed. Improve the area around it and it makes it a far more viable proposition due to increased footfall.

The club could even look to create new revenue streams with things like coffee shops, restaurants, etc, catering for students.