**Update **
As many of you are no doubt aware - we have at long last received confirmation of planning permission for the new Fan Park.
Just to have reached this initial ,milestone, a huge debt of thanks is due to so many people, the fans who have supported our fund raising efforts and demonstrated that the success of the current marquee (or tent if you prefer) can be expanded to a facility which will be the envy of so many sports clubs (and we know that some premier league clubs have been following our progress with great interest!). Additionally, those who have worked so hard just getting us to this stage, behind the scenes in the Trust, the Club and the Council - their efforts cannot be formally recognised, but we thank them nonetheless. Whilst, this represents conquering the major hurdle before us, in reality we still face a lot of hard work and challenges before we can open the doors and pour the first pint brewed in the new Fan Park.
Clearly given the financial commitment attaching (and implied risk) we could not, and would not, place any orders with the contractors or suppliers until we had the approval. We are now in a position to do so, but as has been widely reported materials and transport costs have risen considerably since the concept was first made public. To this end, we are actively seeking quotes from all suppliers to enable us to access competitive prices or negotiate with the desired suppliers on a stronger footing. Rest assured the original design will be unchanged, but we have a duty of care to our supporters that all their contributions are utilised as efficiently as possible, and we will ensure that this continues to be the case.
Another positive arising from the planning approval has been that several supporters who previously held reservations, have now approached us to offer further donations and sponsorship, also mentioning the likely impact of material costs. Clearly, it would be naive of us not to acknowledge that the overall cost will be higher than the original projections, and should you or anyone you know wish to discuss supporting the venture, please feel free to contact Ben Harrison either at the match (fingers crossed that is still an option) or direct via the Trust.
For those supporters awaiting contact relating to the rewards (glasses etc - or dedications on the structure) , we will be in touch in the New Year - obviously for Fan Park items, this will be a date nearer to construction - we haven't forgotten you!
Now that the way forward is clearer, we will be keeping you all updated on a regular basis via these newsletters, and doubtless we hope that we will still be seeing many of you in the existing fan park when you can address us with you queries.
We are aware that there appears to have been some confusion as to the fund raising process and the overall cost - which have been highlighted as a result of the bond launch.
As outlined last summer, German Kraft have committed £1.15m in respect of the brewery and bar, whilst the Trust has committed £150k of its' own funds allied to the £200k contributed by fans and project supporters via the crowd funder. However, since this date and indeed submitting planning permission, there have been well publicised increased costs in relation not only to construction but also raw materials and transport which mean mean that we have a funding gap of £200k which we will be addressing via the bond scheme. Rest assured all costs will be capped once contracts are finalised.
Unsurprisingly, given the success of similar schemes with other clubs, this has already been well received, and should you wish to join others who have already given their commitment to invest over the 5 year term (with interest rates of up to 4% being available) please visit the attached link below - or feel free to contact Ben :-
https://www.tranmereroverstrust.co.uk/pages/fan-park-bond-scheme