Finn Harps To Proceed With New Stadium Plans

**harpskid** · 02/02/2005, 3:36 PM

Following the clubs hugely successful AGM on Sunday 31st January, Finn Harps FC's intentions to pursue an ambitious new stadium development were confirmed and backed by the club's shareholders.

The club's ground development committee made a detailed presentation to the shareholders on the options of re-developing Finn Park, or moving to a new purpose built facility across the river in Stranorlar.

Estimated costs and possibilities for funding both options were presented and the committee made a recommendation that to move ground was the only option to secure improved facilities to the highest UEFA license level while maintaining funding for the football side of operations and attempting to consolidate the clubs position in the Premier Division.

It was reported that after much pre-planning consultation an application for the new facility had been lodged with the County Council and a decision was expected at the end of March. Funding for the new stadium is to be sourced from a sale of the current stadium at Finn Park and an application for Sports Council funding.

The new ground is to be owned by the Trustees who own the current ground and the club confirmed that the Trustees are in favour of the move in principle on the basis that an improved facility can be provided.

The new stadium proposals were on display at the AGM and comprise a 6720 seater stadium with 4 stands and state of the art changing facilities and a three storey administration building including offices, control room and club rooms including one overlooking the pitch. The development is located on a site off Railway Road between the Mart and the Finn Valley Centre complex. Considerable car parking is provided on site and nearby, while access will be via the new road adjacent to the Regional Training Centre, with pedestrian access direct from Railway Road.

The new ground will be developed on a phased basis and the Club intend to remain at Finn Park until the new Stadium is ready. The club now intend to complete the planning process, and deal with interested parties to negotiate a sale agreement for Finn Park, and contract for construction of the new complex, in consultation with the Trustees.

It is estimated that the club will have to remain at Finn Park for at least 2 more playing seasons.

**joey B** · 07/02/2005, 11:31 AM

**pete** · 07/02/2005, 9:11 PM

If you were looking at this as a Devils Advocate how realistic is this of first getting off the ground & then completion?

**carrickharp** · 08/02/2005, 6:55 AM

Very!!

**harps1954** · 08/02/2005, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by pete

If you were looking at this as a Devils Advocate how realistic is this of first getting off the ground & then completion?

Considering the proposed sale of Finn Park would bring in between €4 - €5 million, and the cost of completing the new project is between€5.5 - €6, I would say it is highly likely that a) the project will start and b) with government funding it will be completed within three to four years.

At the AGM, the Board of the club indicated that the first phase of the project could be completed for the start of the 2007 season. (first phase I think is main stand with three story administration block and stands behind each goals. The stadium will have a complete capacity of just over 6,600 seats when finished.