The proposed site for Swindon Town Football Clubs new super stadiumTODAY marks a new chapter in the history of Swindon Town as the club announces plans to move after more than a century at the County Ground.
The Evening Advertiser can exclusively reveal that land commonly known as Shaw Tip in West Swindon will be the site of a new 23,000-seater stadium, despite speculation surrounding other locations.
Club officials, Swindon Council leader Mike Bawden and developer St Modwen Properties PLC were due confirm the news at a lunchtime press conference today.
While Town fans will have a new stadium in which to cheer on their heroes, the project will also see community sports facilities built on the site, including several football pitches, a swimming pool and gymnasium.
A hotel is also expected to be part of the developer's plans for the scheme.
The cost will be met largely by the developer and the healthy fee the council are likely to receive through the eventual sale of the County Ground site, possibly for housing.
The Football Foundation will also be approached for financial assistance.
If all goes well, Town could kick off the 2007-8 campaign in their new home.
The Advertiser can also reveal that the club will be looking for a major investor to discuss the naming rights to the stadium.
Just as Bolton Wanderers play at the Reebok Stadium, Stoke City's home is the Britannia Stadium and Wigan plat at the JJB Stadium, Town's new home will have a corporate element to its name.
Supporters will also have concerns quashed today that they could be set forlife in a soulless, three-sided box.
The exact design has yet to be finalised and supporters are likely to have their chance to comment on the final scheme.
While the initial scheme is for 23,000 fans, this newspaper has discovered that plans are in place which would allow for an increased capacity should the team continue to progress on the field.
Swindon Town Supporters Club spokesman Roger Bunce said: "For this club to progress, I think it's something we have to do.
"I have been watching Swindon Town at the County Ground for almost 50 years and while it will be sad to leave, we need to look to the future."
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