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Rebirth or rebuff for the NDP?

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NDP

It has been many years in the pipeline now, but the advent of the NDP was supposed to be the catalyst for a world-class regeneration of the white half of North London.  A state of the art stadium to match the stunning training centre at Bulls Cross, the NDP was meant to transform Spurs into a club able to go toe to toe financially with any in world.

Fortunately for fans the onus of architects KSS has been on a facelift that incorporates modernity with a genuine consideration for atmosphere and acoustics. The designs of 2008 featured a singled tiered stand behind one end, as well as a promise that fans would be as close as possible to the pitch.

Too often modern stadia have favoured corporate capacity over anything else and left a sense of sterility where there once was heart and soul. Not for our club we all said.

Is there a potential hitch?

The club have now turned to Populous as a means for rethinking the current plans, suggesting a possible abandonment of the original KSS blueprint. Should we fear these new boys?

Responsible for undoubted works of art like Wembley, the Emirates and the Olympic Stadium; Populous seem to have a genuine grasp for the modern needs of a sports venue whilst often leaving terrace experience a distant afterthought. Having been to all three venues on a match day I can safely say they embody the featureless wastelands that we were trying to avoid with our stadium development. Of course I am not comparing like for like, Athletics and Football are totally different beasts, but it was clearly plain to see that none of these stadia are ‘footballing’ arenas.

As it stands it is unclear whether Populous are in to consult on alterations or simply to overhaul our plans. Maybe they can steer clear of their soulless previous offerings and serve us up the stadium that we as a club truly desire. A spokesman for the club had the following to say in the Daily Mail:

“We have approached Populous with regards to an internal fit out of the stadium. This will have no impact on timings.”

So maybe this is as harmless bit of consultancy work and nothing more; but why then the need for a complete change in company?  Did KSS really do such a bad job on Hotspur Way?

Whatever way you look at it, the move away from KSS is genuinely something to fear.

What do you think Populous’ involvement means for the NDP?

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9 comments

  • spurs2013 says:

    Wonder if finance is the problem, and there is a need to re-balance the accommodation to more corporate, as you imply. The NDP was said to be unviable during the OS episode. Latest Spurs comment that project was hugely complex. Must be tough conditions to secure substantial naming rights income at present. The cost of the NDP does look high, but sometimes unclear if gross cost – including say supermarket is referred to – or net cost of stadium alone. Could also be looking to go to 60,000 +, rather than 56,000. Did think that a future European Super League might require 60,000 minimum. And Spurs went for 60,000 at the OS I think. Also wonder if the transitional arrangements of continuing at WHL, and then in part built new stadium, are causing logistical issues that need a re-think. Because hiring an alternative stadium for 2/3 years also has its difficulties.
    Do sometimes wonder if going back to an earlier idea of expanding the East Stand and getting say 45,000 into WHL might be a more cost effective solution.
    Maybe Spurs will tell us something soon. Surely the whole issue can’t be totally commercially confidential.

  • NDPissues says:

    Spurs don’t tell us a lot, do they ?
    Always thought finance was the key. The cost of the NDP seems very high, particularly in relation to the current value of Spurs without the new stadium. If say Spurs are currently worth £450m, and the NDP costs another £450m, how is the NDP financed ?
    Part by naming rights – say £150m. Need a further £300m. But who would lend you £300m against a current value of Spurs at £450m ? And if they did the interest payments + paying back the loan would hugely erode the extra income earned by the increased capacity.
    So the owner could embark on a share issue. To ensure he did not lose any/too much control he could buy all/some of the shares himself, thus increasing his overall investment.
    Or we could be looking for a buyer. Buys Spurs for £450m and then spends £450m on the stadium – cost £900m, partly offset by some naming rights.
    Wondered about Qatar, but they bought Paris SG.
    Think the gamble was basically secure the land, the planning permissions, etc, and some public funding for infrastructure – new stadium up there on a plate for someone to move on with.
    Will be fascinating how it pans out.

    • 007spur says:

      Spurs with a new stadium must be worth around £750/900m when you see Arsenal c£1b and Manchester United £2b.

    • Ollie Bishop says:

      No I suppose it isn’t really in there interest to make it all public, but at some point I assume there will be an announcement. I think the financing is where the problem lies, clearly the initial plans aren’t quite as feasible as they first thought.

      In terms of funding I would assume Spurs will offer debenture style season tickets, get us all to pay for a 5 year + ticket up front. There has also been suggestions that they will look towards public funds like the regional growth one they applied for a couple of years back. I totally agree, some of our off field exploits are just as fascinating as the overhaul on it.

  • drwhospur says:

    In 1991 AS bought Spurs for very little.
    He sold part in 2001, and more slightly later. Say around £20m ish.
    Look what we’re talking about now.
    If someone bought Spurs now, and built a new stadium, all in £750-900m, how much would it all be worth in 2023, 2033.

    Ask Dr Who !

  • drwhospur says:

    AS bought Spurs for very little in 1991.
    Sold to ENIC part in 2001, part later for £20m ish.
    If Spurs are now worth £750-900m with their new stadium, how much would they be worth in 2023, 2033 ?

    Ask Dr Who !

    • Jim smith says:

      The Alan Sugar 1991 investment looks pretty low now, 22 years later. At the time I remember Terry Venables really struggled to find investors. Was about £2m or so I remember.

  • Jim smith says:

    When Alan Sugar bought Spurs in 1991 Terry Venables had been trying for ages to find investors. Although the figure looks low now – maybe around £2m – this was just before the premier league started. So was punt for him, sometimes he wished he hadn’t got involved. Made some money. But not as much asENIC.

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