The plans had been mooted since Jersey Bulls took up residency last year. Many people who have attended football matches at the stadium in the past, for Bulls matches and the annual Muratti showpiece, have long complained of the restricted viewing access for football fans behind the existing 3.2-metre fencing.
The proposals include moving the fencing and ball-stop netting so that there is a three metre-deep spectator area to the north end and a four metre-deep spectator area to the south, with a new 1.1 metre-high fence built for fans to watch behind.
Jersey Bulls chairman Russell Le Feuvre said: ‘From the club’s point of view, we’ve been delighted with the support we’ve got and the growing fanbase for our home fixtures. If approved, this will certainly improve our spectators viewing experience at Springfield. It is something which will really benefit our fans going down to watch games.’
A letter submitted by Andrew Harvey, the appointed architects for the project, states: ‘The changes are to comply with Football Association regulations regarding stadiums. This is mostly led by the success of the Jersey Bulls football team who may be promoted this year and it is anticipated that they will be promoted again next year.’
Work on the perimeter fencing in the spectator area on west side of the stadium, which ran behind the dug-outs, has already been done after approval was given for it be altered to a uniform 1.1-metre all along that side of the fence.
