Pirates boss Evans vows to fund Stadium for Cornwall for first decade
Plans to provide an all-purpose flagship stadium for Cornwall have been given a shot in the arm after an influential businessman agreed to run the building for the first ten years.
Cornish Pirates owner Dicky Evans said he would personally underwrite the Stadium for Cornwall running costs in order to spare tax payers' money.
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Dicky Evans
He said his own rugby team would be primary tenants, but ambitious Truro City FC have also been mooted to play at the venue, which has been earmarked for a site near Threemilestone on the outskirts of the Cornish city.
Supporters have now issued a rallying cry for the county to get behind the idea, which could be debated in council chambers as early as next month.
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Rod Lyon, chairman of the Stadium for Cornwall Support Group, said: "What an achievement this would be if we could see a state-of-the-art stadium hosting top-flight sport and attracting thousands to cultural events and conferences. It may seem like a dream to some, but with a lot of hard work this could become a reality.
"It is at times of economic uncertainty that we need to show some Cornish spirit – some drive and imagination. Crucially we will need our councillors to show the same level of determination as Mr Evans in taking the scheme forward."
Mr Evans's proposal boosts the possibility of the stadium becoming a reality.
He said: "I want a stadium which will be just the place to be. I want it to have the 'wow factor'. I don't just want a tin shed. We are looking for 6,000 covered seats on the east and west sides, two thousand standing at either end with the ability to expand to 15,000, which can be done."
If Mr Evans can secure a deal to run the stadium with the Cornish Pirates as primary tenants, and other partners investing in the project, he said: "I will underwrite the running costs of the stadium so there is no cost to the taxpayer for ten years, whatever league we are in."
A spokesman for Cornwall Council said the Cornish Pirates would submit a proposal to manage the stadium later this month. If and when a business case is established, the council's cabinet will then formally decide whether to support the project.
Cabinet member Carolyn Rule said: "I am encouraged by the positive discussions that have taken place with our partners and their commitment to working with us to deliver a venue that will promote sporting excellence in Cornwall.
"If a stadium for Cornwall can become a reality then it can bring major benefits to the county in terms of sport, culture and the economy, but it must not be an ongoing cost for the council taxpayer."
Comments
by pilgrimboz
Sunday, January 13 2013, 9:01PM
“much needed?? well pirates might be able to scrape together 2000 ten times a year as for Truro assuming they still exist by the time said stadium might be built will be back where they came from and playing in front of 60 and a dog.Mmm 'much needed' indeed.”
by Gurnards_Head
Thursday, March 22 2012, 10:12PM
“A message to Cornwall Councilllor Carolyne Rule who has obviously been seduced by the hype
NO PUBLIC MONEY FOR A STADIUM UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES UNLESS YOU CAN REDUCE COUNCIL TAX AND INCREASE SPENDING ON ESSENTIALS.
BUT YOU CANNOT CAN YOU!!!
SIMILARLY DISAPPOINTED BY BARD OF THE GORSETH ROD LYON WHO BY OFFERING SUPPORT IS CONDONING MASS HOUSING IN BEAUTIFUL CORNISH COUNTRYSIDE.
I ALWAYS THOUGHT A BOY WHO SAILED ON THE BACCHUS WOULD KNOW BETTER!!!”
by Cornish Arbor, Kernow
Friday, February 11 2011, 6:21PM
“Well said that man!”
by kernow, kernewek, Kernow
Monday, February 07 2011, 9:09PM
“Over many years groups have tried to get a modern sporting facility for Cornwall but no-one wanted to know. Even after Cornwall won the cup at Twickenham in 1991, we all thought everything was fine.
Parochialism was rife - probably still is - clubs stating that a modern stadium wasn't required they remained well entrenched in the amateur ethos when others were looking to renew their facilities and build their squads for the professional era.
Without progression, Cornwall is in danger of becoming a sporting backwater. Talented Cornish youth will continue in making the trek across the Tamer in the hope of realising their potential that can be used by clubs outside of the Duchy. Also, because we don't have a facility required to host games, we miss out on much needed revenue.
We must persuade the naysayers of the Duchy like Mr Tommy Bray. These people who say they want the best for Cornwall, yet are determined to see negatives in all things and positives in nothing.
It's therefore vital that we get behind Cornish stalwarts such as Dicky Evans and Rod Lyon.
They understand that a modern, multi-functional stadium is a valuable asset for Cornwall¿s socio-economic infrastructure - enabling the Duchy to attract UK and International events and their economic benefits. A considerable plus for health, well-being and morale.
Hopefully, the people of Cornwall will give their whole-hearted to Dicky Evans and the much needed stadium for Cornwall.”
by Old Greg, TR
Monday, February 07 2011, 3:39PM
“Yes, yes, and yes.
It's appalling that we don't already have a quality stadium in the county.
Set up a website for donations and I'd put money towards it. Anything for the best interests of this county.”