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NEW
DAWN FOR COLCHESTER UTD |
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Artists impression
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This week marked a historic moment in the history of
Colchester United F.C. as the first spade entered the
ground to signal the start of the building process for
their new stadium at Cuckoo Farm.
North Essex's Coca-Cola Championship upstarts, who proved
a surprise package in the second tier of English football
last season, can now look forward to a bright new future,
with the local community a huge priority in the creation
of the new £10 million facility.
Colchester's Deputy Mayor Councillor Peter Crowe turned
the first sod, with the help of six-year-old Scott Mason,
who spoke passionately about the need for a Community
Stadium at November's council meeting where the borrowing
for the project was unanimously approved. Peter Wright,
the first player to be inducted into the U's Hall of Fame,
also lent a hand at the ceremony.
They were joined by representatives from Colchester
Borough Council, Colchester United, Colchester United
Community Sports Trust, members of the stadium board and
the construction team from the contractor Barr Limited.
Essential funding for the project has also been provided
by the Football Foundation (£2m), E.E.D.A. (£1m) and
Haven Gateway growth point money (£1m).
Councillor Robert Davidson, Leader of Colchester Borough
Council, said: "It's incredibly exciting to be
standing on our new community stadium site. We have only
been able to reach this point thanks to a strong
partnership between the Council, the Club and the Trust.
This time next year time we will have a 21st century
stadium which will be a fantastic flagship and gateway
into Colchester."
Peter Heard, C.U.F.C. Life President, was thrilled with
the progress of the project: "It is a long while
since the Second World War when all of this started! At
long last, we have got there and it is certainly a
memorable day for everyone concerned. Roll on the opening
day at the new stadium. My thanks must go to those who
have provided the leadership and drive to get to the
project to this stage."
Steve Bradshaw, Chief Executive of Colchester United
Community Sports Trust, also remarked: "It is a very
proud day for Colchester and one that marks the beginning
of a new era for the Community Sports Trust. I am looking
forward to developing a range of programmes in partnership
with the public to improve health and engage young people
in educational projects that generate a community ethos in
the areas immediately surrounding the Community
Stadium."
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