Stadium Team Announced
26th February 2007

The Shadow Board, responsible for delivering the new Community Stadium at Cuckoo Farm in north Colchester, continues to finalise the partnership details that will allow final endorsement of the plan by the Board, formal approval by the full Council, and the acceptance of one of the Tenders that will lead to Stadium completion.

In a demonstration of the strong belief by the Board that final agreement is imminent, the Partners and Directors have agreed that a Stakeholder Group should start to meet at the earliest opportunity.

They have selected Tony Barton (former Garrison Commander) as the Chairman and he has sent out a calling letter to a wide range of organisations to attend the first meeting on Tuesday evening (27th February). Those attending the first meeting range from County Council Planners, through to local Councillors, health and youth groups, as well as Supporter and Resident Associations.

Chairman of the Stadium Board, Dave Murthwaite (ex Chief Superintendent of Police in Colchester) said:

"There is a determination by all members of the Stadium Board, both Partners and Directors, to give full effort to the final stages of achieving our new Community Stadium. There have been other forums for those involved to express their views, for instance the Council Planning meetings, but it is felt that a more defined focus for Community groups was necessary. We have asked Tony Barton to initiate a Stakeholder Group to ensure that the Board gathers all views from the Community as we commence the build and that we have a means of getting support from those groups to overcome issues as they arise."

Chairman of the Stakeholder Group, Tony Barton added:

"This is one of the most positive signs that we will achieve our new Community Stadium in some time. I have been attempting to ensure that as many groups and organisations have representation at the first meeting. However, I’m sure I don’t have everyone yet and it is intended that the Group be as inclusive as possible. The Group is not an executive body but it has an essential role in shaping policy through its’ representational constitution and through access to the Board. The Group will provide a forum to discuss Community issues associated with the construction and operation of the Stadium, to agree a way ahead, or, where agreement is not possible, to report those issues, through the Chairman, to the Board for consideration. The community ethos of this project will be at the forefront of all our deliberations."

Colchester United Community Sports Trust, a key partner in the delivery of the stadium believe that there are far reaching benefits for the greater community of Colchester, Mike Springett, Vice-Chair of the Trust was keen to underline these benefits saying;

"Everyone involved with the trust is excited by the opportunities that the new stadium will provide for community development. We have an excellent track record of working in partnership with others to meet the needs of young people and adults in neighbourhoods particularly through those who benefit from out health, education and sports programmes. We are now ready to join with other key stakeholders and play our full part in creating what promises to be a unique and vibrant hub of community activities and services for the people of Colchester and the surrounding areas."

The aims and objectives of the group are outlined below

What is the aim of the Stakeholders group?

To engage those who represent groups and organisations in the community with a vested interest in the positive development of the Community Stadium.

How will the Group meet that aim?

Provide a process for briefing Community Stakeholders on the progress towards completion of the Stadium.

Brief Stakeholders on impediments to the completion of the Stadium and to invite contributions to overcome obstacles.

Provide a forum to discuss Community issues associated with the construction and operation of the Stadium, to agree a way ahead, or, where agreement is not possible, to report those issues, through the Chairman, to the Board for consideration.

Will the Group be able to change anything they don’t like with the new Stadium (design, use, ie)?

The Group is not an executive body but it has a role in shaping policy through its representational constitution and by advising the Board.

How was the Chairman selected?

The Group is to be chaired by a Director of the Community Stadium Company, nominated by the Board, and endorsed by the Chairman of that Board.

How are members of the Group selected?

The Stakeholders Group will consist of representatives of those deemed to have an interest in, an impact upon, or be impacted by the construction and operation of the Community Stadium. Inclusion in the Group is by invitation of the Chairman, but any organisation may request membership, and the intent is to be as inclusive as possible.

How often will the Group meet?

The Group will meet bi-monthly, or more frequently if necessary and as directed by the Chairman.

Will this Group promote the ‘community’ in the ‘Community Stadium’?

The Group has a responsibility to ensure that the Community ethos of the Stadium is enshrined in all its’ deliberations.

How will the views of the Group be fed to the Board?

The Minutes from each meeting will be presented to the Company Board, by the Group Chairman, for consideration at the appropriate Board meeting, and any issues raised.