Saracens unveil plans for Copthall (From Times Series)

Saracens unveil plans for Copthall

10:30am Thursday 15th September 2011 in News By Kate Jenkinson

SARACENS’ has released its revised proposal for the refurbishment of Copthall Stadium, which now features improved match-day transport.

The rugby club has pledged to inject £18 million into the stadium’s revival having consulted for six months with residents, supporters and stakeholders on the revised plans, which will be released today.

The plans have been submitted to Barnet Council and revisions include a match-day coach service from Hertfordshire towns, including six routes two and from Copthall and a match-day shuttle service along the 221 bus route.

Saracens chairman and Barnet resident Nigel Wray said the revised plan would minimise disruptions to residents.

He said: “We have listened and we have learned, and we are now putting forward an even better version of what I believe is a really exciting plan to create a unique community sports hub.”

“Our basic concept remains the same — to invest in the creation of a compact, well-equipped stadium.”

He said the stadium would be used for community sports and club and elite athletics, with a maximum 16 days of Premiership rugby.

The stadium design now also incorporates more timber finishes, trees and greenery, to soften the aesthetics of the new east stand.

The Greater London Authority, Transport for London, local schools, community organisations and Mill Hill Preservation Society were involved in the consultation, which included more than 15 public meetings throughout the borough.

Mr Wray added: “We are determined to advocate proposals that enjoy widespread public support, that create a home for the award-winning Saracens foundation and a genuine community asset, and that enable our club’s return home to the heart of north London.”

But the Saracens’ plans sparked an outcry from Barnet FC last week, which attacked Barnet Council.

Barnet FC and Barnet Council are in negotiations over lease arrangements at Underhill for an extension of the grounds.

In a furious statement on Barnet FC’s website, its chairman Tony Kleanthous said: “It is quite clear they want to push football out and move rugby in.

“Despite Barnet FC having more than 120 years of history as a community club in the area, they seem to want to clear us away.”

Leader of Barnet Council, Councillor Richard Cornelius, said: “Barnet FC has twice received planning permision from the council for stadium works, most recently in 2008 for the Underhill site.

“The council will continue to discuss any proposal Mr Kleanthous makes about the future of the club in the borough.”

The council said it could not comment on the Saracens’ planning submission.