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Adam29 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 20, 2026 12:14 pm You do know an EFL ruling for teams who share with rugby sides is they have to have a hybrid pitch

Where are either club going to find the finances to make that happen?

I really don’t understand how people just constantly ignore all the financial aspects which make this a complete no go

Exactly this. The conversation can end now.

Cokey wrote: ↑Fri Feb 20, 2026 12:51 pm

Adam29 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 20, 2026 12:14 pm You do know an EFL ruling for teams who share with rugby sides is they have to have a hybrid pitch

Where are either club going to find the finances to make that happen?

I really don’t understand how people just constantly ignore all the financial aspects which make this a complete no go

Exactly this. The conversation can end now.

Those who are dead set against it will always find a reason not to to something. Take it as a given that if there was £30m/£35m to spend on a community stadium then that plan would also include a hybrid / desso pitch at £1m and a 10 year ongoing maintenance plan. It wouldn't be a dealbreaker because it needed it needs a hybrid pitch. That would be factored in.

Its a complete no go because there is no enthusiasm for it, not becuase they would also need a hybrid / pitch.

The lack of enthusiasm for it, at present, appears down to the lack of opportunities to monetise such a stadium for the club(s).

Hadrian wrote: ↑Fri Feb 20, 2026 3:04 pm The lack of enthusiasm for it, at present, appears down to the lack of opportunities to monetise such a stadium for the club(s).

And the alternative? We are reporting circa £1.3m per year loss at HS. We are fortunate to have owners who are propping the club up. What’s the exit strategy for them? How do they make the club self sustainable and financially secure in the next 5 years? The answer is they can’t at HS. PH keeps saying its “league 1 compliant” I'm sure it is from hosting a football match perspective, but it does not attract the levels of sponsorship and non match day revenues needed to address that year on year loss.

Those against a community stadium must at least recognise it cant continue his way? PH said Popular Side development would be another couple of years off at least….. so what is that another….another £2-3m out of the pockets of the owners awaiting any such development?

We have the most important 15 games of the season ahead so that is the club focus right now, whatever the outcome of the season, the discussion needs to be had along with all opportunities with Barrow Rising.

Hadrian wrote: ↑Fri Feb 20, 2026 3:04 pm The lack of enthusiasm for it, at present, appears down to the lack of opportunities to monetise such a stadium for the club(s).

So would you need sponsors, franchises and stakeholders on-board before any work could begin?

Assuming a new stadium coming about without capital input from the club, it would seem that the alternative would to be to pay rent but significantly reduce matchday and non-matchday income and therefore increase losses.

I have the impression that the owners would prefer to retain ownership of a ground and have the ability to retain income derived from it, including from some sort of future development but that securing a partner for such a development seems problematic.

The club is completely dependant upon owners paying for its working losses and that is completely unsustainable in the medium term.

Cokey wrote: ↑Fri Feb 20, 2026 12:51 pm

Adam29 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 20, 2026 12:14 pm You do know an EFL ruling for teams who share with rugby sides is they have to have a hybrid pitch

Where are either club going to find the finances to make that happen?

I really don’t understand how people just constantly ignore all the financial aspects which make this a complete no go

Exactly this. The conversation can end now.

What about national league?

Market & Forum getting demolished with no clear plan on what's going there. 200 million to Spunk away. At least we have a bike path

AFC Blue wrote: ↑Sat Feb 21, 2026 5:19 pm Market & Forum getting demolished with no clear plan on what's going there. 200 million to Spunk away. At least we have a bike path

Well we are Barrow and it’s a once in a generation chance to have multiple cycle paths.

AFC Blue wrote: ↑Sat Feb 21, 2026 5:19 pm Market & Forum getting demolished with no clear plan on what's going there. 200 million to Spunk away. At least we have a bike path

It was always the plan to demolish it anyway it’s just been brought forward six months due to leaks in the roof disturbing asbestos and making it an instant health hazard hence the immediate closure. Market traders knew they only had until September if things had gone to plan The town got badly scared with legionnaire in 2002 the last thing they want to delay the closure after receiving the critical report on Monday and leaving folk in danger and the council liable if anyone got injured or fell ill due to them ignoring advice

Barrow afc 2018 wrote: ↑Sat Feb 21, 2026 5:29 pm

Well we are Barrow and it’s a once in a generation chance to have multiple cycle paths.