After my (over?) emotional post about the demise of Farrar Road last season, I decided to take a closer look at the proposed new stadium at Nantporth. I have heard on the grapevine that my concerns about training facilities might be premature, and with the club moving in at the end of the 2011/12 season, I wanted to see for myself how the development was progressing.
Nantporth Location
The first consideration is the location of the stadium. It sits in an idyllic spot on the banks of the Menai Straits, just over a mile from Bangor train station, and about a mile and half from Bangor Town Centre. By car, it’s just a few minutes off the main A55 trunk road. The nearest pubs and cafes are in Upper Bangor, a busy student area, about 15 minutes walk from the new stadium.
Access to the new ground
I was surprised to look over the fence and see the pitch had already taken shape. This is the access route, which takes you through the proposed car park/training pitch.
Car Park / Training Pitch
The banking is already in place for the Main Grandstand at Nantporth which will hold between 600-3,000 seats depending on who you speak to. In this image , which is taken from the Bangor Town end of the ground, you can see the old brown changing rooms, which is where the access route enters the ground. In the distance you can just make out the famous Britannia Bridge which crosses the Menai Straits.
Britannia Bridge in the distance
Much discussion has taken place about the lack of width on the Menai Straits side of the ground, opposite the main stand. Optimists complain that this limited space will deter further ground development. Realists accept that further development will be unlikely. It is a shame that the new stadium will be lopsided, with standing area only at the side of the Menai Straits End, but at least those trees give a pleasing view.
View of the pitch from the top of the main stand
View from the Bangor Town End looking towards the main stand
One of the things that struck me most about my visit today was the quality of the surface already prepared for the club. I have long campaigned for better pitches in the Welsh Premier League, and Bangor will have no excuses for persevering with a long ball game on this carpet.
A good playing surface
From the Main Stand looking towards the Bangor Town End, you can see the glistening waters of the Menai Straits with the village of Menai Bridge in the distance.
Menai Bridge in the distance
The Bangor Town End
I came away from my visit much more optimistic about the new stadium, and there’s no doubt that if this is done properly, it could be one of the best little grounds in Wales. Yes, it’s a bind to leave Farrar Road, but the more I see of Nantporth, the more I like it.
that sub station aint moving,what kind of stand/terrace can we hope for there? agree that if done right it will be a tidy little ground,but am not holding my breath
This article implies that there will be 800 seats (600 covered) and it meets UEFA competition criteria.
The pitch has been there since it was a sports field for the Normal College. From what I remember in the late 80s there is little change to what is now the proposed pitch.
The banking was there then abd where the rough ground is now between the road and pitch was in fact another decent pitch for cricket etc.
one thing for sure it`s going to be very windy at the new stadium.there will be no shelter from the wind coming in from the sea.