Work Begins Comrades fans will be delighted to hear that the difficulties experienced regarding the ground improvements outlined below have been overcome, through the efforts of club officials, Sport NI and Gergory Architects, and work has now begun at Dixon Park, which is due to be completed in March before the end of the financial year. Update Tenders have now been received in respect of the proposed ground improvements at Dixon Park and these were opened in the presence of Gregory Architects, Sport NI and Ballyclare Comrades officials. To the club's horror, all tenders were significantly above the original estimates provided by the architects and, more importantly, outside the financial boundaries that would allow us to continue. Countless debate, meetings and sleepless nights have ensued since then and are still on-going. However, rest assured, the club will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to make this project happen. Ground Improvements under IFA Soccer Strategy - Facilities Element Click here to view ground redevelopment plan The IFA launched the soccer facilities programme in 2007, having secured substantial funding from DCAL. Funding levels were set at 85% of total project cost, with clubs having to contribute the additional 15%. Applications were invited for three levels of project; UEFA standard with £300k maximum grant, Premier League standard with £200k maximum grant, and Premier Intermediate League standard with £75k maximum grant. BCFC officials considered the programme and made application by the 26 October 2007 deadline for the £200k funding to bring our facilities up to Premier League standard. The main aspects to be considered were: Minimum playing surface of 90m x 60m Dugout for each team to accommodate 8 persons Minimum of 4 turnstiles to provide segregation of spectators Minimum approved capacity of 2,000 persons Minimum of 500 covered seats (individual backrest) Minimum of 750 covered terracing Minimum of 5 disabled places Minimum of 1 male WC, 4 male urinals and 1 female WC for home and away spectators Disabled WC, which may also be utilised as a male/female spectator toilet Protected area/tunnel to safeguard access from changing area to playing area Changing rooms for both teams of at least 15 sq metres with integral showering facilities Referee changing rooms of at least 9 sq metres with integral showering facilities First Aid room of at least 15 sq metres with first aid kit and stretcher Boardroom facilities Security/control room for 4 persons, having clear view of all seated parts and with telephone and PA access Initial projections were for a total project cost of £238k; £200k to come from the funding programme and the remaining £38k to be raised by the club. The whole soccer facilities programme then became rather protraced and was eventually transferred to Sport NI in summer 2008 before any decisions were made. In the meantime the IFA pressed on with plans for creation of the new Premier Intermediate League to start in August 2008 and consequently the club had to make the following facility improvements in 2008 without any grant facility: Minimum 100 covered seats Dugout for each team to accommodate 8 persons Minimum of 5 disabled places Access gates to playing surface In July 2008 the club were finally given permission to proceed to the detailed design stage for the original Premier League standrad project. Following a tender process, Gregory Architects (Belfast) were appointed to carry out the detailed design. Initial projections from this process costed the project at £280k, which was totally out of the question, as the maximum grant was £200k. Many meetings and discussions ensued with Sport NI, Gregory Architects and the club, and eventually an acceptable plan was developed which was professionally costed at £238k. Following that, many legal aspects had to be considered and these are still progressing. In addition, the club had to address the issue of raising £38k before the project could proceed any further. Several representations were made to Newtownabbey Borough Council, seeking a contribution of £30k. Unfortunately, the Council has not been able to satisfy the club's request, but have promised £10k, for which we are extremely grateful. A further £10k has been donated by a private supporter and again the club is extremely grateful. The club committee are engaged in efforts to raise the additional £18k, but in order to keep the project moving, a bank loan has been enacted to cover this amount. This is far from ideal as a long term solution, as it will influence the day to day cash flow within the club, but at this moment it allows the project to move to tendering stage. Timing is crucial, as the complete project has to be completed, signed-off, and paid for by 31 March 2010. Of course, if the tender process produces radically different costing then the project may not proceed. At this moment the projected schedule is as follows: Tendering complete - 26 November Planning approval complete - mid December Works start - 1 January Works complete - 26 February Hopefully this has brought you up to date with the project, but if you have any questions or suggestions feel free to speak to Robert Fleck or Trevor McCann, or e-mail ontact@ballyclarecomrades.co.uk  In particular if you have any ideas about helping the club to meet the financial requirements, a meeting can be arranged at your convenience and the club will maintain whatever confidentiality you desire.