Cardiff's stadium projected for 2008 opening

Peter Risdale, Cardiff city councilman, announced the new 30,000-seat Cardiff stadium will be ready Dec. 2008. Risdale, formerly of Leeds United, said at a news conference that the construction firm of Laing O'Rourke will build the GBP 35 million venue, opposite Ninian Park.

"We expect the council to sign off the plans in November, then there will be a 13-week judicial review period," said Ridsdale, who just replaced Sam Hammam as chairman of Cardiff. "We plan to start the 2008-9 season at Ninian Park before moving across the road to the new venue before Christmas 2008."

The 60-acre site will include a 438,700-square foot retail development, but has been plagued by delays and negative publicity for several years.

Ridsdale has brokered a deal with "two or three" London-based financial institutions that specialise in hedge funds.

Cardiff City has not ruled out the possibility of ground-sharing with the rugby club Cardiff Blues. Mike Hall, former Blues captain and currently a director of Cardiff City Stadium Ltd, is in talks with Blues benefactor Peter Thomas and chief executive Bob Norster.

The Arms Park is built on land donated in 1803 by the Marquis of Bute, with the stipulation it be used for recreational purposes. That appears to rule out the venue being sold commercially.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.