Paul Barry wants Cambridge United's new stadium vision to be a focal point for sporting excellence
The proposed new Cambridge United stadium will be a “focal point for sporting excellence” in the region, delivering year-round benefits to the community, according to the club’s owner, Paul Barry.
Speaking to the Cambridge Independent after ambitious plans for a facility close to junction 35 of the A14 at Stow cum Quy were unveiled, he said United would be the “headline occupant” of a “multi-functional stadium” that could also be used
for concerts.
The 12,000-seater stadium is envisaged for green belt land owned by the county council, and has earned support from the mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, James Palmer.
The club hopes it can connect to his plans for an underground metro, helping to transport fans to and from the city.
The stadium is now expected to cost between £40million and £50million, so will need private investment.
Barry said: “I have always envisioned that Cambridge United would be the focal point for sporting excellence for a wide catchment area around Cambridge.
“The new stadium should also deliver benefits for the community through our Community Trust and also by providing facilities that are not currently available such as an outdoor concert venue. This is intended to be a venue that can be used all the year round.”
He added that the design and siting of the stadium had been carefully considered.
“It is a modern stadium that has architectural points reflective of Cambridge and its history as well as that of the football club.
“The concept has been created with sustainability as a key feature. The plan is to integrate with the new transport plans including the metro. The proposed location will mean that many people can access it from in or out of town,” he said.
The club’s fans, of course, have been here before. Cambridge Fans United chairman Robert Osbourn has given it a cautious welcome, mindful that there have been false dawns.
Barry acknowledged: “The club has long desired a new stadium. When I first joined the board 20 years ago it was a top priority then.
“After many stop-go-starts, I do believe we are now aligned with the aims of many interested parties that are necessary for this stadium to happen, although we are very aware that we are at the start of a long process.”
Barry believes the potential of connecting to major new transport links into Cambridge is a key selling point, along with the alignment to wider plans to redevelop the east of the city. Some 12,000 homes are envisaged when Marshall leaves its airport site.
Being close to the U’s ageing Abbey Stadium is also key, he suggested, as to were the multi-use facilities and that sustainability is central to the vision.
“For our fans, it is the closest location to our current site of any of the sites previously proposed,” said Barry. “It will be a modern multi-functional stadium with its headline occupant as Cambridge United. Modern stadia are used for many purposes these days and this will be no different.
“It will be a stadium that will make Cambridge proud.”
Read more:
CFU chief Robert Osbourn voices cautious optimism about Cambridge United's vision
Cambridge United reveal vision for new multi-purpose stadium to the east of the city
