On 28 December, I was at the chilly Moss Rose Stadium to watch Macclesfield Town play Crewe Alexandra in Coca Cola Football League Two. In the programme, I read a club statement about their aspirations for a new stadium which they say were strengthened with the news that England's 2018 World Cup bid will feature two venues in Manchester: this is because the proposed stadium has already been included as a Base Training Camp in Manchester's Host City bid.
Many local authorities are now working in conjunction with partner organisations to provide a range of services under one roof. Such an approach is deemed to be desirable for customers because they benefit from the convenience of a range of services being located in one place and there are also financial efficiencies from such an approach because running costs can be shared. It was interesting therefore to see Macclesfield's vision for the new stadium as being about incorporating facilities into it that will provide benefits to the community and the town and not just the football club.
The plans for the stadium include an arts and entertainment space and accommodation for local community activities such as healthcare, sports & leisure and education. The club also say that the development should be planned as a part of a sustainable development of the town as a whole, "compatible not competitive with the town centre with the intent of making Macclesfield a more vibrant place to live and to visit".
It's interesting to see football clubs teaming up with local councils, health providers and other organisations and it will be interesting to see these plans develop over the forthcoming years. You can only wish the club and its partners the very best of luck...
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