Coventry City have chosen to confirm a much needed big new stadium update to their supporters via social media on Tuesday morning.
The newly crowned League One champions currently play their matches at Birmingham City, a groundshare that has seen fans opting out in attending home matches.
The Sky Blues owners, SISU, remain in negotiations with Wasps over a potential third return to the Ricoh Arena next season. Failure to agree a deal is expected to see Mark Robins’ team return to St Andrew’s stadium.
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The Observer understands the early proposal is for a modular stadium costing up to £30million.
It would have an estimated 18,000 or 20,000 capacity which could potentially rise above 35,000 seats if required.
A statement read: ” Coventry City Football Club and the University of Warwick are delighted to announce that they have commenced planning for a partnership, which would see the University provide land to the Club for the development of a new stadium, thereby creating a new home for the Football Club with easy access for fans living in the City of Coventry.
Whilst an exact site has yet to be agreed, its proximity would be on the agricultural field area of the University of Warwick land on its main campus at the southwest edge of Coventry.
The Club will own and be entirely responsible for the cost of the stadium and its operation; equally, the Club will receive all stadium revenues it generates.
Both the University and the Club are committed to a visionary, environmentally friendly stadium in terms of materials, energy, noise, building and of course access.
We envision supporters arriving at the stadium through a new light rail station at the ground running alongside a new link road.
This will require significant discussion and partnership work with all surrounding local authorities, the West Midlands Combined Local Authority and the LEP to ensure the funding and support is there to provide that infrastructure.
The Club and the University wanted to make people aware of this exciting new development as soon as possible and hope that in doing so, it will pave the way to many discussions needed with a range of partners to progress this project.
The Club and the University do not expect to issue any further joint statements on this initiative until there is significant news that we can share.”
In May 2013, Tim Fisher told supporters a new stadium for the club would be “designed and delivered in three years”.
October 2018 “The Ricoh Arena is currently the only suitable option available for the club to play home matches in Coventry.” #PUSB pic.twitter.com/yqpPyW8RPV
— Kirk Savage (@kirksavage) October 12, 2018
They have struggled to find a permanent home after first leaving the Ricoh in 2013, which saw them having to play home games around 34 miles away in Northampton and more recently at St Andrew’s, 22 miles away.
Previous proposals for a stadium at the former Woodlands School site in Tile Hill, Coventry, appear to have stalled after planning negotiations with the council.
Earlier groundshare talks collapsed with Coventry rugby club at an expanded Butts Park Arena – where the council also owns the freehold.
It was five months ago that Sisu boss Joy Seppala met fans and gave updates on the situation regarding the Ricoh Arena and plans on returning back to the city for the 2020/21 season.
She said that the new stadium would look similar to fellow League One side Shrewsbury Town’s New Meadow, rather than having a bowl design.
Fans reacted after Coventry City confirm their big new stadium update…
Always knew saving the money from the Scott Dann / Danny Fox sales would come in handy ??
— Peter Duckett (@duckettccfc) July 21, 2020
Absolutely buying time. They will announce that we are staying in Birmingham next and this will drag on for years to come.
— Bradders (@PUSBradders) July 21, 2020
I will accept nothing less than an exact replica of Highfield Road
— Jamie (@jamiepwns) July 21, 2020
— Joe Hagen (@joehagen1) July 21, 2020
A lot of water under the bridge but I think this is ultimately the best decision. I’m delighted to hear the promise of an environmentally friendly construction and I look forward to hearing more about the sustainable vision of the development; integrated public transport?
— Joe (@kebab) July 21, 2020
Hopefully it isn’t, but regardless of whether this news came out now or months down the line, if we literally can’t do a reasonable deal with Wasps then it’s in their hands. Hopefully a short term Ricoh deal and then this stadium after
— Luke Godfrey (@lukegodfrey19) July 21, 2020
Just get it built as quick as you can. Don’t insult our players fans and staff by continuing to waste energy and money by pursuing an objective in the courts and with the council/ Wasps that is fruitless. Concede and gain massive respect
— Gary Collins (@GazandsoniaGary) July 21, 2020
Here we go lads. Iv saves some time just reuse this #pusb pic.twitter.com/nyRj9haZa3
— Jordan (@jordan210) July 21, 2020
Taking it on face value exciting times all the revenue also which is what they have needed all along… turning us into a sustainable club .. looking forwards and not back ??
— Stuart Fraser (@Fraser83Stuart) July 21, 2020
Will there be a Gregg’s nearby? I love a Gregg’s
— Rob (@robert_omalley) July 21, 2020
Don’t be a bowl thanks
— luke (@lukkee_87) July 21, 2020
The key thing here is that we are getting together with a University .An institution with a world wide reputation. CCFC has just re-positioned it’s self above CCC and Wasps RUC in a single stroke.
— Woody (@TheRocketVan) July 21, 2020
Please make this happen so that the Ricoh can finally rot.
— Mr Bluesky??⚽️ (@LeighCP87) July 21, 2020
Spat my coffee at this.
— Gilberß (@Gilbers84) July 21, 2020
There is no way I’d believe this if it wasn’t for the link with the university and use of their name and logo. Still only ‘preparations’ at the mo but ?
— Tom Shannon (@Tom_Shannon19) July 21, 2020
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