Saracens unveil revised Copthall plans (From Times Series)

Saracens unveil revised plans for move from Watford to Copthall

9:00am Thursday 15th September 2011 in Sport By Simon Mail

A revised plan for Copthall

Saracens have unveiled their revised planning application for Copthall which could cost up to £18m.

The Men in Black amended their application to refurbish the Barnet Copthall stadium following a six-month consultation with residents, supporters, statutory bodies and other stakeholders. The improved proposals have been submitted to the London Borough of Barnet and full details of the changes are being made available to local residents.

The main aspects of the revised application features a new transport plan which aims to reduce the percentage of fans travelling by car to 36 per cent. Sarries also want to run a match-day coach service from towns in Hertfordshire offering six routes to and from the stadium.

There will be a regular double-decker match day shuttle service connecting Edgware, Mill Hill Broadway and Mill Hill East stations to Copthall. The Premiership champions have also included the provision of a variety of match day parking schemes which will de determined by local residents.

Other changes include a modified design, featuring wood, trees and greenery which will soften the visual impact of the East stand and an integrated management plan.

Sarries chairman Nigel Wray 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 in the heart of north London, offering fantastic lasting benefits to tens of thousands of people, and minimising disruption to residents.

“Our basic concept remains the same – to invest in the creation of a compact, well-equipped stadium to be used for community sport on 340 days of the year, club and elite athletics and a maximum 16 days of Premiership rugby. These revisions relate to design, transport and enhancing leisure facilities, a key function of the Green Belt.

“We have consulted with many groups and organisations, among others the Greater London Authority, Transport for London, local schools and community organisations, and Mill Hill Preservation Society and we have hosted more than 15 public meetings throughout the Borough.

“The revisions to the plans cost money, and the Saracens shareholders’ investment will rise beyond £16m, but we are determined to advocate proposals that enjoy widespread public support, that creates a home for the award-winning Saracens foundation and a genuine community asset, and that enables our club’s return home to the heart of north London.”

Saracens originally wanted to move to the stadium this month for the start of the season but this was delayed by the ongoing planning process. A flexible agreement to play at least ten matches at Vicarage Road was agreed and it seems a near certainty the club will remain in Watford for the entire season.

The revised plans can be seen at www.copthallrevival.co.uk.