Park View Road Redevelopment Plans

I headed over Shooters Hill this afternoon to take a look at the plans for Welling United's redevelopment of Park View Road (PVR). News a couple of weeks ago that this was happening and that the proposals included 114 new homes as well as retail outlets onto the main road had me thinking this was a 'grand scheme' that would necessitate the acquisition of the neighbouring cricket club and the turning of the Wings pitch etc. 

So, I have to say I was underwhelmed upon seeing the plans. The redevelopment is going to occupy pretty much the same footprint the ground does today. The capacity will be c4000, the same as today although it's pretty clear that once complete there will be no scope for any expansion of that capacity. Maybe just a nice problem to have given historical gates? 

They will push the Danson Park end back to occupy the land behind the current wall that belongs to the site and the pitch will be shunted right up to the new boundary with no space for fans behind the goal. That gives them the space on PVR to maximise their commercial development and build all those homes and shops which should fund it. This is being built in one large block of 8 or so floors. The designs have the word 'standing' behind the home goal on PVR but there is so little space and no defined terracing as to effectively mean it will likely just be two sides in practice. 

The current 'Welling side' is rebuilt with a new stand the length of the pitch but with no more width than is available currently. Interestingly, the 'Erith & Belvedere side' remains largely untouched, although their stand (and small terracing) is now almost completely in the far half of the pitch whereas today it straddles the halfway line. The first half of the side is now given over to a water tank and sops such as a covered 'cycling storage' space (keeping the planners onside). How long, I wonder before they write that off and use it for something more productive?

Whilst my cynical Charlton side was emerging, Welling Tone reminded me that there is no 'do nothing' option as the current ground is falling to bits. The Wings Bar currently hides a multitude of sins which the developers have photographed very nicely to make the point.

The timeline, which always needs a large dose of salt, suggests they will be ready to start at the end of this coming season (May) and will take two years to complete. No mention of where the Wings and the Deres will play in the meantime but I understand they are looking at the likes of VCD in Crayford which would require some work or a dispensation from the league as it doesn't meet current standards.

You also have to wonder what is in this for Erith & Belvedere? They seem to be gaining far less for a two year spell playing somewhere else. All pain and no gain?

Whilst I left acknowledging Welling Tone's point, I was also left questioning how this announcement and consultation is being handled by the club. Last year, Chairman and prominent Board member Paul Whitehead did a great job communicating directly to and with the supporters. He was full of ideas, most of which he actioned. So far, no-one from the Board has been quoted at all. Nothing from Whitehead, nothing from owner Howard Prosser or WUSA Chairman Matt Mein. I might be jumping the gun but it's almost as if this is being done to them rather than them being behind it in the best interests of the club. You could be forgiven for thinking they don't want their names attached to it.

The plans should be available to view here on Tuesday..........

https://wellingunited.com/news/