League One side Bristol Rovers "abandoned plans to build a new stadium at the University of West of England," according to the BBC. The club "had hoped to build" a 21,000-seat venue at Stoke Gifford "on the outskirts of the city." It said that it was "disappointed" that discussions with UWE had "come to a close as the parties were unable to agree acceptable terms." In '11, the football club reached a deal with UWE and supermarket Sainsbury's to build a new stadium on university land. Further plans included "the supermarket building a store and redeveloping the club's Memorial Stadium in Horfield." However, the chain "pulled out following delays and petitions by campaigners for and against the plans." A High Court battle ensued, which Rovers lost in '15. The club said that it would "now have to go back to the drawing board" (BBC, 8/3). The GAZETTE SERIES' Aaron Sims reported plans for a new stadium at UWE's Frenchay Campus "could still be salvaged," UWE Vice-Chancellor Steve West said. West added that "the door remains open for a deal to be struck." In a statement, he said, "UWE Bristol has not given up on this hugely important project. We have been and remain committed to delivering a new stadium and were disappointed to hear from Dwane Sports that they wish to bring negotiations over the proposed stadium at UWE Bristol to a close" (GAZETTE SERIES, 8/3).
