Architect has stadium alternative

George Ferguson is best known in the city for the Tobacco Factory

A Bristol architect is lobbying for an alternative development plan for Bristol City FC's Ashton Gate site.

George Ferguson says the response to his plans from city councillors has been "extraordinarily positive".

The club has signed a deal with Sainsbury's to build a new store on the site, subject to council approval.

But a consortium including Mr Ferguson is proposing an alternative scheme of more than 300 flats and houses, plus leisure and commercial properties.

'Completely inappropriate'

He said: "It may contribute less... than the many millions that are being quoted. But then I think we have to be more inventive about the way we raise the money.

"What I'm not for doing is selling our souls to providing something that is completely inappropriate."

The football club has repeatedly said plans for its new 30,000-seat, £90m stadium - due to be completed by 2012 - are dependent on selling its current site to a retailer.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version