Sports village plans unacceptable - Hull Fair

Hull Fair ride owners are opposed to plans for a sports village next to the MKM Stadium.

Hull Fair's organisers have said early plans for a £25m sports village next to the city's MKM Stadium are "unacceptable".

Hull City's vice chairman Tan Kesler previously said he wanted to transform the 20-year-old stadium into a "state-of-the-art" community facility, which would include community pitches and "multi-dimensional sports facilities" and, possibly, a hotel.

The SuperStadium Management Company (SMC) said talks involving all stakeholders were ongoing.

However, Michael Cowie, from the Showman's Guild of Great Britain, said its members were deeply concerned they would have less space in Walton Street for rides, and warned they could even boycott the fair if the plans were not scaled back.

Tan Kesler, Hull City's vice chairman, has previously said the club wants to "expand the match day experience"

A spokesperson for the SMC made clear to the BBC no firm plans had yet been made for the development.

In February, the council said provisional proposals, which would see Hull City’s Academy relocated to the stadium, along with a raft of improved community facilities in West Park, were shared with the planning committee as part of the pre-application process.

At the time, the authority also said leader, Councillor Mike Ross, had met representatives from the SMC, Mr Kesler and Hull FC chairman Adam Pearson to "progress discussions" on the stadium's redevelopment". The Super League club also plays at the stadium.

Mr Cowie said "between 12 and 14 ride operators" would be affected if the plans came to fruition.

"It would cost our members money, so these plans are unacceptable to us. This is people's livelihoods," he said.

Mr Cowie said his organisation had the option of putting Hull Fair "out of order", through means of a boycott.

However, he added: "I do not think it will come to that because we have a very good relationship with Hull City Council. We'd need a meeting with all our members and they would decide.

"But we are hoping it [Hull City's plans] does not happen and they [Hull City] are able to move things around."

The BBC put Mr Cowie's concerns to the council.

A spokesperson said it did not have anything to add to the comment issued in February.

The council also said at the time that Hull City, Tigers Trust, SMC and Hull FC would "engage with the local community and other stakeholders in advance of submitting a detailed planning application later this year".

Dating back to 1293, Hull Fair is held on a 16-acre car park in the first week of October. It is widely believed to be Europe's largest travelling fair, attracting thousands of thrill-seekers.

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