Bristol Rovers has announced plans to relocate the club and construct a purpose built new stadium on land acquired from the University of the West of England on its Frenchay campus.

The new 20,000 all-seater arena, which, subject to planning permission, will sit on land at UWE's Frenchay campus, will allow Rovers to develop a new stadium to enable the club to build for a sustainable future.

The proposed stadium will be equipped with state of the art facilities, including; a large supporter's club bar, an extensive club shop, banqueting and hospitality suite, convenience store, crèche, gym, jogging track and approximately 19,000sq ft of potential teaching space for the University.

The club recognises the importance of building a new stadium, as the existing Memorial Stadium is no longer fit for purpose and does not fit with club's aspirations.

The recent planning permission is not fundable in the current financial climate and the Club has had to explore other options.

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A new stadium will not only allow Rovers to build for a better future, it will also act as a boost to the local economy.

Rovers propose to sell the land on which the Memorial Stadium currently stands to Sainsbury's to assist with the finance of new project. The project will ultimately be fully privately funded.

The sale of the current Memorial Stadium land to Sainsbury's would be the enabling development which will allow the new stadium to be built.

The land at the current Memorial Stadium site would be used for mixed development, and as well as the store, plans will also include community facilities, housing and plenty of parking.

The overall development of both sites is worth in the region of £60 million. This represents a significant investment in quality facilities for the local community, as well as a welcome injection to the economy with job opportunities on both sites.

As a result of the sale of the land, the finances will already be in place before the planning applications are processed.

The new stadium will be a bowl design, which makes use of the sloping ground to minimise the height of the structure and the impact on the local skyline, and reduce light and noise pollution.

The new stadium will also benefit from excellent transport links, including; the A4174, Abbey Wood and Parkway train stations and various bus services. There will also be a large car park with space for 1,270 cars and coaches - with additional overflow spaces available on the campus if deemed necessary.

Bristol Rugby Club have been offered the opportunity to move with Rovers, and the ground will conform to all FIFA and Rugby Union standards.

Subject to planning permission, Rovers could start work early next year, and be playing in the new stadium during the 2013/14 season.

(CD/GK)