The club will stay at the Memorial Stadium during redevelopment

Bristol Rovers chairman Nick Higgs has announced the club will remain at the Memorial Stadium during the redevelopment process.

Plans for Bristol's Memorial Stadium to be expanded were given the go-ahead in 2007 but revised when the Stadium Project was delayed in June.

The new plans will allow the club to stay during construction without a move to Cheltenham Town's Whaddon Road.

The redevelopment process will be done in two phases and should begin in 2009.

Needless to say, nothing will be done that will put the club at risk, and progress will be made when the time is right Bristol Rovers chairman Nick Higgs

Rovers chairman Nick Higgs told the club's website the stadium will maintain a capacity of 8,500 at all times during construction.

"We will be able to maintain the majority of the corporate and spectator facilities during phase one and replacement facilities will come on line during phase two.

"This approach will retain much needed income for the club during construction and accommodate our corporate partners and fans on match days," he added.

He added: "The playing surface will be moved to its new position during the close season between phases one and two.

"Due to the current turmoil in the financial markets, it is not certain that we will be able to achieve the necessary funding in the manner we first planned, and the board are now exploring alternative proposals with various other parties.

"Needless to say, nothing will be done that will put the club at risk, and progress will be made when the time is right."

A further announcement will be made by the club about funding in January.

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