Gravesend Messenger

[Bill Kent]

Interesting article in todays Gravesend Messenger, in that GNFC together with Gravesham Council are putting in a bid to buy the Beauwater sports ground which has been put on the market.

 

Could this be our own theatre of dreams for the future.

 

<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

[American FLEET FAN No1]

Why?????????????????????????????????? There is not enough space there to build a Realistically sized Stadium, there would be no parking spaces, it is hard to get there, unless you know the area...........And the local residents were doing their best to get Beauwaters club shut down because of the inconvenience of noise and having there road used as a carpark when there were big occasions going on there!

[FleetFanatic]

I believe that this is the story in question?

[JimGNFC]

Quote:

Why??????????????????????????????????

. . . The paper is claiming the site will be used as a training ground for The Fleet, with the prospect of all weather surfaces and a base for the Club's coaching in the community scheme.

On the other hand the article also comments . . . "Beauwater is currently not financially viable with Kimberley Clark heaviliy subsidising the ground and the main building does need urgent repairs."

If Kimberley Clark cannot make it pay how can the Fleet? And if the main building needs repair then wouldn't it be easier to knock it down and build a football ground on the site? Hypothetical I know but should get you lot going . . . <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

There's probably enough land there for a football ground (just about)but with the surrounding houses access could be an issue.

With Mr Scally due to make an announcement about the Gills future around Christmas time it does make you wonder if this is the Fleet's contingency plan - and in all fairness its not a bad one.

[David Holden]

The council will qualify for a bunch of grants to pay for the renovations.

 

We will only pay a small rent to the council and we get to keep the income from the place. The Social Club gould make a lot of ,oney IMO if we run it right and get the proer amount of use out of it.

 

It's also a stage further towards full-time status as we will have training facilities available without having to use Stonebridge Road so there will be less wear and tear on the pitch.

 

All in all could be a master-stroke.

[American FLEET FAN No1]

That makes sense for a training ground!!!!!!!!!Not a theatre of dreams for the future as per first post in this thread!

[Bill Kent]

Watch this space. The ground is already in use for PASE. Excuse the cliche. "Great oaks from small acorns grow" <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

[Graham S]

Good forward looking move.

 

However, quality security will be very important. We think Wallis Park is bad. That part of Northfleet behind Perry Street is virtually overrun by skanks who'd delight in wrecking any new work done on the site.

 

Graham S

[American FLEET FAN No1]

You are still ignoring the salient points.......it is not suitable for large volume traffic......It would not have any parking space if a stadium was to be built..................and it is PRIME BUILDING LAND!

[mikefleet]

its not going to be where the new stadium will be. IT WILL BE ARE TRAINING GROUND, nothing else. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wall.gif" alt="" />

[Guest]

Have you no brain!!!!!

 

It is an established club, (albeit with a bit of a dodgey reputation!) And it is a great training ground with all the neccessary buildings in place which simply need loads of money thrown at them to refurbish them, which is where the council come in!

 

With good management the club would undoubtably be a success (believe me, I live round here and this area is crying out for a family orientated club) It would bring in revenue to the club, and (provided its done professionally), would be a massive step forward in the way the club is perceived in the area. Which can only be a good thing.

[Harry J Allstars]

A dodgy reputation?

[David Holden]

Quote:

You are still ignoring the salient points.......it is not suitable for large volume traffic......It would not have any parking space if a stadium was to be built..................and it is PRIME BUILDING LAND!

It supposedly has a covenant on it so that it can only be used for recreational purposes.

[FleetFanatic]

Quote:

its not going to be where the new stadium will be. IT WILL BE ARE TRAINING GROUND, nothing else. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wall.gif" alt="" />

Are you on the GNFC board of directors then?

[Guest]

are or our?

[Andy Y. (G&NFC)]

I have now managed to log into this system again as it has seemed to have cunningly changed my username when the new layout came into use!

 

Just to clear up a point or two. The ground is far to hemmed in by housing to be made into a stadium, thats obvious. But it is a great site for its present use. And it would be a great asset to the club.

 

It does have a bit of a dodgey reputation, NOT bad, and certainly nothing that new management couldn't turn around fast. It does look a bit "tired," and needs a cash injection and some TLC. I live in the area and would use a refurbished and well run social club on a regular basis. With the possible exception of The Conservative Club in Perry Street, where else can you take "the other half and the kids for a quiet,safe drink in the area?

 

And before anyone has a go at me I'm not having a go at the present staff, as far as I can see, they are doing an ok job. Its just it could be better!

[Guest]

I agree with Graham S`s observations about the skanks around the Perry St. area.I live in the area of Beauwaters club,and I can see any renovations would soon be smothered in graffiti and wilful damage would be the norm.If the council are to be involved,they should start working with the Police on this problem and have some positive action instead of just talking about it.A fair number of the scum who terrorise the area mooch down from Painters Ash.Aged from probably twelve to sixteen,they roam the streets at all hours;it does make you wonder about parenting these daysHaving got that off my chest,I do think the site would be good for training purposes and the clubhouse would certainly make some much needed revenue for the Fleet