Bristol City FC’s plans to redevelop their Ashton Gate stadium have received unanimous backing from councillors.
The club’s £40m scheme would result in a major upgrade of the existing 21,500-capacity stadium to a modern 27,000-capacity venue. The proposal includes demolishing and rebuilding the Williams and Wedlock stands, remodelling the Dolman Stand, and making alterations to the Atyeo Stand and concourse.
The redeveloped ground would be used by both Bristol City and Bristol Rugby Club, both run by Bristol Sport Ltd (BSL), by 2016 if BSL decides to go ahead with its plans.
Martin Griffith, chairman of BSL, said the redevelopment would “create jobs and act as a catalyst for future infrastructure projects in the area”. 
The go-ahead yesterday by Bristol City Council’s development control committee (South and East) committee is likely to kill off BSL’s plans to build a new stadium at Ashton Vale. That plan, which would have resulted in a supermarket being built at Ashton Gate, has been dogged by controversy and delayed by local objections.
Jon Lansdown, Bristol City FC’s vice chairman, said the redevelopment of Ashton Gate would be key to improving the sporting facilities on offer for the city, as well as providing “financial sustainability” for the club.
Steve Gorvett, chief executive of Bristol Rugby added that the new stadium would provide his club with “new heart and a new home for the future”.
“It will provide our supporters with a fantastic match day experience as well as the club with a secure financial base,” he added.
Councillors on the committee lined up to give their support to the redevelopment plans and praised the club’s consultation with the local community.
The decision was welcomed by Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson. He said: “I have previously spoken of my recognition of the importance of these plans and of my wish that the planning application by the club be treated as a priority. I am delighted that a positive decision on the re-development plans has now been made.
“I’m also very pleased that the bid will see rugby being played at the ground from 2014/15.”
Councillor Mark Bradshaw, Assistant Mayor with responsibility for planning, added: “The decision by the independent planning committee sends out a strong message that the city is very much open for business and that we welcome new investment.
“I would also like to express appreciation for the way Bristol City FC has worked with the local community in preparing this planning application.”
The approval was also welcomed by Jeremy Richards, head of the Bristol office of international property agents Jones Lang LaSalle.
He said: “Bristol’s sporting facilities are not an accurate reflection of our success as a city and this must be addressed.
“This decision is a positive step forward in tackling the issue. It enables Bristol City and Bristol Rugby to attract more people to matches and deliver modern facilities that will provide a more memorable and enjoyable experience.
“It won’t just be the supporters that benefit. Other UK cities have shown that sporting and social facilities are vital to the wellbeing and growth of an area, so these improvements will make a difference to the wider economy, particularly in South Bristol where businesses will be able to reap the benefits that the increased footfall will bring.”
