 Glentoran have been at the Oval since 1899 |
Glentoran have stepped up their plans to move from their Oval headquarters to a new ground in east Belfast. Shareholders received details about the move on Monday and the matter will be fully discussed at an EGM on 13 March.
The proposed new site is an 11.5-acre vacant plot on the Knock dual carriageway.
The new site includes the old Grosvenor rugby club ground at Labernum which faces the Braniel housing estate.
The area was formerly the playing pitches of the local grammar school and was purchased from the Belfast Education and Library Board some years ago.
The Labernum site can only be developed for sport and cannot be utilised as a housing project.
Chief Executive Stafford Reynolds said that the move will hopeful help the club and the surrounding community.
 We want to see this not solely as a football ground but part of the community |
''It's now a matter of obtaining the shareholders' approval,'' he said.
''Sorting out the problems, gaining community support, meeting with various funding organisations and other bodies.
''We want to see this not solely as a football ground but part of the community. Glentoran are looking to the future.
''There have always been access problems at the Oval and increasing vandalism and we seek to move to a modern, purpose-built stadium.
"There is a lot to do in relation to the proposed alternative site.
''Obviously we are very aware of the neighbourhood surrounding Laburnum and close at hand are three significant schools.
Planning permission
''We want to be seen playing our part in the community and we have demonstrated this well over the past 18 months through our Community Initiative Scheme.
''This will not be just a facility for football but one that can and will provide for other sports."
The Irish League high-flyers have received a substantial offer for their 7.5-acre Oval ground from a property developer.
If the plans get the go-ahead from the share-holders, they will start work immediately on a planning application for a 10,000 all-seater stadium.
Glentoran plan to apply for grand aid, and are hopeful of receiving lottery funding.
The new Oval facilities would meet all the requirements for Eufa specification for modern stadia.
If planning permission is granted Glentoran hope to start building in 18 months and be ready for the 2004/5 season.
Grant aid
Glentoran have played at the Oval since 1899 and many supporters have huge sentimental attachment to the ground.
However, it badly needs improvements and this has proved virtually impossible for the club because of financial constraints.
Two years ago they did receive the offer of some grant aid from the government to help with the building of a new stand.
Glentoran had made noises about moving last year when a site near the Odyssey Arena was earmarked for development.
MMIX
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