Proposed designs for Grimsby’s new ship-inspired stadium revealed

Proposed designs for Grimsby’s new ship-inspired stadium have been revealed this week and it’s certainly got our seal of approval.

Businessman Tom Shutes has stated his intention to buy the League Two club, and put forward a stunning plan to base the new ground at the docks.

He is interested in buying the club ⚽️ https://t.co/z2doUftgdI

— Grimsby Live (@GrimsbyLive) May 7, 2020

For the first time, Grimsby Live can reveal the first-look images of Mr Shutes’ ambitions for the beloved football club and his desire to “Bring the Mariners’ Home” by building a new stadium in their spiritual heartland of the town’s iconic fish docks.

Architects Waugh Thistleton have released photos of the new stadium set be be at a capacity of 14,000, constructed in the shape of a ship and as can be seen in the photo above, with a view of the Grimsby Dock Tower.

Next door to the stadium sits an ice factory which sits in a poor condition, something which Shutes plans to something with.

Some months ago, he was in talks with majority shareholder, John Fenty, over a possible takeover, however in February, Fenty called time on the sale due to “unresolved questions” over Mr Shutes’ bid.

As Tom Shutes rejects suggestions that the money isn’t there, he has praised Fenty, saying he deserves a “lot of credit” for “saving the club and stabilising things financially”.

There have been plans to replace the run down Blundell Park since the mid-1990s, with the club submitting a planning application for the provisionally titled Conoco Stadium with a capacity of 14,000.

Their first planned project for Great Coates fell through and the second one – for Peaks Parkway – also proved dead late into 2018.

In February 2020, John Fenty said the new Grimsby Town stadium on Freeman Street (just 1.5 km west of the current ground) is to be delivered in ‘3-5 years’ time. The club have confirmed their plans to push ahead with relocation for a new £20million-plus stadium.

A once in a lifetime opportunity to assemble a vision for the emotional heart of our town…including a potential new home for GTFC. It is a great team effort on behalf of a wonderful client. Amazing things are about to happen in North East Lincolnshire. #Stadium #Regeneration pic.twitter.com/3170ckgtad

— Hodson Architects (@HodsonArchitect) February 7, 2019

How that would be funded is not yet clear, but it’s reported there was a lack of it. With council leading on the objective they should get positive support and backing to make it happen.

Grimsby will have to re-evaluate their plans for relocation to Freeman Street amid the coronavirus crisis, club director Philip Day admitted.

Fans have reacted after seeing the proposed designs for Grimsby’s new ship-inspired stadium…

He Shutes He Scores….

— Richard Askam (@richardaskam1) May 7, 2020

Very thorough, very diplomatic, very astute is our Mr Shutes.

— ray oxby (@OxbyR) May 7, 2020

Bloody hell. Thought this bird had flown but would be very special if it could be made to happen

— Trev Hewson Ⓜ ????? (@trevhewsongy) May 7, 2020

Here we go again. #takeovercarousel

— Paul Haigh (@pauldavid83) May 7, 2020

About the 5th vision we’ve seen in the last 30 years… zzzz

— martin robinson (@martinrobbo70) May 7, 2020

#GTFC I’ve just read the Tom Shutes interview article about the new ground and his explanation of the breakdown in negotiations with the major shareholder. The dead hand of Fenty holding it up it seems. Fenty out.

— Cleeful (@oldcleeful) May 7, 2020

Grimsby Town FC on the docks? LET’S MAKE THIS HAPPEN #GTFC ??????? https://t.co/QS2TOFQLhV

— Docks Beers (@DocksBeers) May 7, 2020

Just seen the #GTFC Tom Shutes plan. ABP happy that you a filling in a significant section of the Fish Dock?

Bold plans.

— The GiT™ (@LegendaryGiT) May 7, 2020