"Big milestone" in Bristol Rovers' stadium plans
The club says its working with an investment firm which has agreed to buy land in St Philips Marsh
Bristol Rovers appear to be a step closer to building a new stadium near Temple Meads Train Station as it's confirmed an investment company has bought the land.
Conygar Investments has exchanged contracts on the site at St Philips Marsh, which is currently home to the Wholesale Bristol Fruit Market.
Rovers have expressed an interest in building on the site for some time and we understand discussions are now ongoing between the club and Conygar on the possibility.
"Bristol Rovers Football Club is supportive of this development and we welcome the news today of the contract exchange," a statement from the club reads.
"The regeneration of St Philip’s Marsh represents a great opportunity for the region and the football club."
The entire St Philip's Marsh area has been earmarked for development as part of Bristol City Council's Temple Quarter Regeneration Scheme, which includes plans to redevelop the train station and the entire surrounding area.
As part of it the University of Bristol is already started work to build a new campus next door.
"Bristol City Council and its partners, including West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and Homes England, consider St. Philip’s Marsh to be an exciting opportunity to develop a low-carbon place to live, work and spend time," the club statement continues.
"The club shares the aspirations set out in the Bristol Temple Quarter Development Framework and looks forward to working with the Council and its partners to make these a reality.
"Over the next few months, we will work with Conygar to play our part in creating a vision for the site that supports the needs of the city as well as ensuring that we protect the long-term interests of the football club.
"Bristol Rovers Football Club has been a part of these discussions for the past two-and-a-half years and we will now work with Conygar to finalise the plans unlocking the potential of the site for the city and the football club."
Club President Wael Al Qadi says the news marks a "big milestone" in the stadium saga.
"We have been in positive discussions with the team at Conygar for two-and-a-half years and we are delighted that they have now formally secured a deal for the site.
"We look forward to working with them to finalise our agreement, whilst maintaining the long-term future of Bristol Rovers Football Club.”
Greg Miller Cheevers, CEO of Conygar said: “St. Philip’s Marsh and the Fruit Market site hold exciting possibilities that could help to transform this area into something positive for the city.
"We have been in discussion with Bristol Rovers for a significant time.
"These discussions between Conygar and the club are meaningful and ongoing and I look forward to continuing to work with Wael and the club to finalise a solution that works for all parties.”