Dear Mr Doweck,
There has been discussion on the Carlisle United Internet Mailing List this week about the letter sent to season ticket holders about the plan to redevelop the Warwick Road End. I would be grateful if you could possibly clarify what work is to be carried out, since some fans are concerned that money is being spent in this way, rather than on the squad. Parallels have been drawn with the building of the East Stand and the squad at that time.
However, this does bring to mind an idea, which I am surprised has not occurred to the club. Several sporting organisations around the country have gone into partnerships with other companies to build Stands, which have other functions, such as supermarkets, offices, shops, and even a Travelodge. If CUFC were to undertake such a partnership and redevelop both the Waterworks end and Warwick Road End, then it may be possible to have two new Stands at zero cost to the club. In fact, the right deal would see the club receive lease income from the Partner Company, on top of the income from ticket sales. The Partner Company would then have the entire internal space of the Stand to use. Admittedly, such a redevelopment would result in stands that could only be filled and emptied from the front, limiting the capacity, but this would be a small price to pay.
Since the Waterworks redevelopment would see the loss of the current indoor 5-a-side arena, then a new one could be incorporated into the new Waterworks End Stand. Carlisle is desperately short of good quality indoor soccer facilities and such a pitch could easily gain good income.
Also, has the club considered all day parking on the club car park? Table top sales in the East Stand concourse? Leasing out the unused space in the East Stand?
Please take this letter in the spirit it was intended. As one of the founders of the SoS 2000 idea last season, and a 7-year East Stand ticket holder, I only want what all CUFC fans want - Carlisle United to survive and prosper.
As a final point, would the club consider renaming the East Stand as the Ross-Balderstone Stand?
Yours Sincerely,
David E W Atkinson
Editor of Reeves is offside again (an online CUFC Fanzine).
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