this is the big sticking point paying the market price QUOTE=RoboCCFC90;637684]No there is no clear evidence that suggests that PH4 wanted the Freehold to the Arena, but being a Property Developer then it is right to assume he might of consider it, you say MMM that you have it on record that he stated otherwise I would like to see that if possible? There were rumours at the time PH4 was interested that he wanted to build another Hotel on one of the Car Parks areas. Of course this is a rumour and not a fact, but to do this he would surely need the Freehold?
It is Sisu's clear demand and in my opinion a reasonable one, baring in mind that they pay the market price, something I have never suggested otherwise.
As I stated earlier in the thread Richardson built this Arena with the purpose that the Club could generate revenue from other sources then just the Stadia on match days, it is not unreasonable for Sisu to want this, if they had this it would improve turnover drastically and could allow the playing squad to be enhanced significantly. However you'll tell me next that's all a pipe dream and they want to see us fall like a ton of bricks, right?
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Why would you need the freehold to build a hotel? It would be nice to have it, but a long lease would be an alternative if a freehold were not possible for, say, legal or council policy reasons.
Richardson wanted a stadium with retractable pitch and roof. A 40000 capacity ( 1997 figure ) was, he said, necessary to compete with top Premiere clubs and international teams. He wanted it to be an all year venue, not just dependant on CCFC games. He was entirely right and if it had gone ahead we wouldn't be here ( or rather Northampton ). We all know what happened then. SISU are now suggesting a 12000 stadium to get extra revenues. We all know what will happen.
Yes it is reasonable to want these things, or to want a freehold. But it doesn't necessarily work like that.
The only reasonble way forward is for SISU to come to the table and negotiate. Drop all 'unfettered freehold demands'. Get rid of Labovitch and Fisher, both of whom are hugely discredited. Withdraw the JR. Bring CCFC to the Ricoh on a short term inexpensive lease - similar to that at Northampton. Put the stadium plans on hold. Ask the council to show equal good faith and change the appointees at ACL. Bring lawyers for both sides and go through all known scenarios until both sides can agree on something. Jointly commission an economic impact report to assess the economic benefit to the City of Coventry from a football team - Championship or League 1. Have a joint legal team assess how far the City Council can or cannot go to get a reasonable price after due consideration of the economic benefits and the image value of having a league football team. Have valuations made for the various purchase scenarios.
Above all both sides to work together to acheive a "win win" situation. SISU are the owners and must get something out of this, otherwise we cannot move forward.
In the meantime keep the pressure on through publicising this mess. SISU don't like the limelight as we have seen.