3G Pitches

[Posh]

I thought this ought be shared because we'd never hear about it or be able to support it otherwise.

As everyone knows, the 3G pitches and associated land were owned by PMG Leisure and were used by Morecambe FC Community Sports and a host of other community users. Since falling into administration, getting information about the situation with the land is frustrating. This is a vital community asset. If anyone was to ask what we wanted for the land, I think the universal response would be, "in charitable or community hands supporting the work of Morecambe FC Community Sports and other community groups, junior football teams and charities".

Given the rumours about other sales to property developers or neighbouring companies it was interesting to read Lancaster City's Local Plan and the supporting documentation. This includes two documents on local pitch facilities for all main sports. Football is clearly dominant and it is staggering to read just how many teams we have locally and the dreadful state of our pitches (including at King George's Playing Field that MFC paid for).

http://www.lancaster.gov.uk/assets/atta ... Report.pdf
http://www.lancaster.gov.uk/assets/atta ... 20Plan.pdf

If you're involved in grassroots football locally you should definitely give these a read.

As regards, the 3G pitches at the rear of the ground, the document states:

"Morecambe FC Community Sports (the charitable trust linked to Morecambe FC), the Premier League and the Football League Trust are in the process of negotiating potential purchase of the land from the bank to bring the 3G pitches and hard courts behind them back into operation. The Trust is currently negotiating a price of purchase supported by the Premier League. Whilst the 3G pitches are rated as standard quality within this audit, LFA reports that some level of repair works will be required to bring the surfaces back to suitable quality for regular use".

As supporters, through the Shrimps Trust, I think its important that we find out whether these negotiations are continuing and whether Community Sports believe it will reach a positive outcome. If not, then what can the Trust, fans and the community do to lobby and campaign for this to go through.

[mrpotatohead]

I personally dont think the facilities will ever be owned by the club...another of mcguigans "smoke and mirrors" tricks....
most people thought we owned them till they took them off him

[redrobo]

I think it was widely reported on SVs that the new owners indicated at the recent Fans Forum that they had made an offer to the bank to buy back the 3G pitched but that the bank felt that their offer wasn't sufficient enough to accept. It was pointed out that to bring the area back to full use an estimated £100K would be needed to make the area once again suitable for its original intended use. It was also made clear that nobody could gain access to the pitches without the approval of our club and that therefore the bank's refusal to accept the new owners offer meant that they had land that nobody could make use of other than our club and its associates.

I seem to recall that a figure of £250K (although I could be wrong about the figure) had been offered by our owners and that they were open to sensible negotiations but at that time the bank were playing 'silly buggers'.

The news that a return to full use could be on the cards is excellent particularly for the local Community Sports.

[BerlinWaller]

Is there any chance of the club, MFC Community and the shrimps trust all coming together to purchase the pitches? Would it affect the potential awarding of grants if the club were to be involved?

[P/T Indie]

Is the Community Trust a separate organisation to the football club?

If it is for the long term I would much prefer the land went to them instead of the new owners because if the new owners took over the pitched I could see them just wanting to re develop the land.

[mrpotatohead]

Careful what you say about the new owners, Redrobbo seems to be a bit keen on them and might get offended, deja vu or What??

[Born again Bill]

Careful what you say about the new owners, Redrobbo seems to be a bit keen on them and might get offended, deja vu or What??

Aw and just when I thought you two were starting to bond

[redrobo]

Careful what you say about the new owners, Redrobbo seems to be a bit keen on them and might get offended, deja vu or What??

Now now Lee.....you seem / seemed quite happy then them...

As for myself...no particular feelings one way or 't'other....assuming that they are genuine but time will tell.

[BerlinWaller]

3 offers made and one has been accepted.

https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/comp ... ng-history

[Gone_Shrimping]

3 offers made and one has been accepted.

https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/comp ... ng-history

In the words of the great Barry Davies "Interesting , Very Interesting" !

Wonder if it's the offer made by our owners. Without access it isn't a going concern for any other party you would think unless the guy with the caravan park has had second thoughts.

[KenH]

Wonder if it's the offer made by our owners. Without access it isn't a going concern for any other party you would think unless the guy with the caravan park has had second thoughts.

Our owners could grant access to someone wanting to buy it for development, for the right price of course!

[P/T Indie]

So was it PMG that paid off £150k?

Maybe it has something to do with the new directors.

[redrobo]

A statement from our owners would be nice to put a stop to any speculation.....

[mrpotatohead]

Apparently its over 400k, wont be us , and if it is sold somebody gets a 150k windfall.

[BerlinWaller]

Steve Coppell?

[KenH]

Apparently its over 400k, wont be us , and if it is sold somebody gets a 150k windfall.

Surely the £400k will cover the liquidators fees first and then the bank loan,which is over £400k, before there's a payment to other creditors? Seeing as it was the bank who called the receivers, can't imagine they'll happily allow someone else any money until they've been paid off.

[P/T Indie]

Could it not be sold for less than the original value of the loan if they just want rid like when they sell off houses.

[BerlinWaller]

https://www.eckersleyproperty.co.uk/pro ... morecambe/

[Brian S]

Allotment of shares, interesting timing.

https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/comp ... ng-history

[redrobo]

Allotment of shares, interesting timing.

https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/comp ... ng-history

Doesn't say breakdown and who they are allotted to....

Being 'thick' I haven't a clue about such matters....

[Brian S]

They have created and allocated new shares to an individual or company. Could, or couldn't, be part of what's going on with the pitches.

[Gone_Shrimping]

Allotment of shares, interesting timing.

https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/comp ... ng-history

Probably coincidence. May be the 2 new directors being allotted their shareholdings.

[Gone_Shrimping]

Is there any further news regarding the 3G Pitches being sold by the administrators ?

[jbc.shrimp]

3 offers made and one has been accepted.

https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/comp ... ng-history

Are these 3 offer's from separate parties, or 3 different offers from a same individual(s) ?

[marky No.1]

Is there any further news regarding the 3G Pitches being sold by the administrators ?

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