Sep 15 - GSD “Cannot Support” Lathbury Stadium Proposal
The GSD has said that, while it welcomes the news from the GFA that an alternative to their plans for a stadium at Europa Point has been found, it cannot support the building of a National Stadium at Lathbury. The party adds that it was right when it said earlier on this year that UEFA would accept a reduction in the capacity of a Cat IV Stadium from 8,000 to 5,000.
The GSD believes that land use in Gibraltar “needs to be examined and planned very carefully” as do the priorities to which public land is put. The party says it remains committed to ensuring that the power station is moved away from densely populated areas in the vicinity of the North Mole and, if elected, will move this critical infrastructure project back to the Lathbury site. The Opposition says this brings both safety and environmental benefits to thousands of people in Gibraltar and this should be the priority of any Government.
Trevor Hammond, GSD spokesperson for planning said "We believe that our well received plans for the upgrade of Victoria Stadium published earlier this year address the needs of football at both grass roots and international levels. Any objective comparison of the Victoria Stadium and the Lathbury site from a transport, emergency management, accessibility and amenities point of view would, in our view, conclude that Victoria Stadium is by far the better location. Our plans for the Victoria Stadium also involve Bayside comprehensive being moved to a new, and desperately needed facility at Rooke. Project planning and land use must be viewed as part of a grand scheme and not in penny packet projects without a view to the wider needs of and impact on our community. We will be happy to work with the GFA in refining these ideas".
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