Burnley submit plans for first Football University
Burnley submit plans for first Football University
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Monday, 08, Feb 2010 02:07
By Michael Younger.
Premiership newboys Burnley, who have taken the league by storm beating Manchester United earlier in the season, have submitted plans to build a new stadium at Turf Moor.
The proposal, known as the 'Premier Plan', is aimed at breathing new life into the club by building the world's first 'Football University' just months after Burnley first became a university town.
The Lancashire outfit's proposed plans would see one side of the historic ground become East Lancashire's largest rock concert venue with a futuristic "stadia-arena", housing up to 4,000 fans, whilst the blueprints also contain plans for the relocation of the neighbouring cricket club. The run-down 'Weavers' Triangle' area is to be set aside for student accommodation.
Clarets chief executive Paul Fletcher is leading the "Premier Plan", which he expects will take two to three years to reach fruition, in conjunction with Burnley Borough Council and the Prince's Charities.
And he said: "If you dare to dream, dream big, and this is not just about Burnley Football Club, this is about the whole town of Burnley and potentially leaving a massive legacy brought on by promotion to the Premier League.
"On the basis of one idea involving the building of a new stand at the football club, this could become a much bigger idea shared by all parties.
"The name of Burnley is now right around the world because of our standing in the biggest league in world football. Our games are beamed around the world and they all now know where we are.
"The trick now is getting people here. The university would do that and allow students from across the world to learn about every facet of the business side of the biggest sports industry in the world.
"Burnley Cricket Club are another important partner and the plans, which we have discussed with them, offer the chance to become self-sufficient at a brand new state-of-the-art facility.
"This really is a win-win situation for everyone. The cricket club gets a brand new ground and the opportunity to be a profitable club in a beautiful location. The football club gets a new stand that isn't compromised and can be used seven days a week. The town gets a new university and finally the Weaver's Triangle is redeveloped."
A spokesman for Liverpool John Moores University said: "We are pleased to be working with Burnley Football Club and helping them in any way we can to improve the futures of young people in the local area."
The plans also have royal approval, after Prince Charles surveyed the ambitious package during his Burnley tour on Friday and club bosses want to work closely with his charities in turning the blueprints into reality.