NEWSLETTER
WWW.MFSV.CO.UK
2016 ISSUE 2
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TRILANCO
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HOME GROUND
ALDI
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NEWSLETTER 2016 ISSUE 2
David Chell
Chief Executive, Mill Farm
Welcome to the first Mill Farm newsletter of 2016, aiming to keep
you up-to-date with all the events and development at Mill Farm.
In the first issue we gave you a general overview of the multi-million pound
Sports Village, situated a stone’s throw from Junction 3 of the M55. This month
we hope to dig a little deeper into the hard work that goes into constructing this
type of complex and the people behind it.
We are delighted to have wellknown brands such as Aldi and
Euro Garages on board with other
recognisable names in the pipeline.
It’s certainly an exciting time to be
involved in the development.
Opposite, we introduce the Fylde Coast’s
newest Sports Bar – Bradley’s. The bar is
expected to open in early June 2016 and will
house multiple large screen TV’s, Video/TV
wall and projection facilities so that there is
something for every sports fan.
Open seven days a week, the bar will have
live music at the weekends and much more.
In this issue we also chat to David Robinson
of architects FWP and Bob Gallagher of
PEI Delta, the company responsible for the
electrical installations at the stadium.
Aldi’s Store Operations Director James
Knott reveals his delight at their involvement
in the project and Ryan Vaughan, Physical
Activity Officer at the AFC Fylde Community
Foundation, talks about his involvement at
the club.
Finally, it’s never too early to start thinking
about your next Christmas Party. So whether
you are looking for a table of two in one of
our fantastic restaurants/bars or a large party
for up to three hundred people, why not
make Mill Farm your choice for 2016.
We hope you find our latest offering both
informative and interesting as we near our
big move in the summer.
David Chell
Chief Executive
FOCUS ON: BRADLEY’S SPORTS BAR
Bradley’s Sports Bar
Opening in early June for the start of Euro
2016, Bradley’s will take watching your
favourite sports to a whole new level.
Run by sports fans for sports fans, Bradley’s will be a 290-capacity cutting-edge bar
which will house 18 large screen TVs across four distinct areas, a fantastic TV/Video
wall and two large screens, so every type of sport can be followed simultaneously.
The unique design, quality of food and level of service will make Bradley’s the ideal
venue for watching your team, a social gathering, family meal or catching up with
friends for a drink and a bite to eat.
Bradley’s run by sports fans
for sports fans
Aimed at giving the customer an experience close to the atmosphere of attending
a live sporting event, Bradley’s will never take its eye off the ball.
Open seven days a week, Bradley’s will offer
premium beers, cask ales, fantastic locally
produced food and personal professional service.
With a great alfresco seating area and live weekend
entertainment, Bradley’s is set to become the number
one choice for all sports fans living on the Fylde Coast.
So why wait?
To see how we can make that
special event even better,
call Sophie Seed now on
either 01253 667420
or 07885 969356.
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NEWSLETTER 2016 ISSUE 2
It’s Coronation Way!
AFC Fylde supporters will be taking a walk down memory lane next season after the club finally
got the blessing for a new name on the road leading to the stadium at Mill Farm.
Despite unexpected opposition from Wesham Parish Council, the club this week received approval from the Royal Mail
and are delighted to announce that the road will be named Coronation Way.
“I never imagined when we
were playing on the pitch
at Coronation Road that
we would be moving to a
stadium like Mill Farm,”
The club enjoyed almost thirty years at their old ground on Coronation Road in
Kirkham between 1978-2006 and Chairman David Haythornthwaite was anxious
to recognise their former ground in some way at their new home.
David, who became involved with the club
10 years ago, said: “The name was chosen
for significant and historic reasons and we
are very happy to get it over the line at last.
Coronation Road was the original home of
Kirkham Town Football Club before they
merged with Wesham in 1988 and we were
keen, as were the supporters, to maintain
links with our past.
“Coronation Road was a hugely successful
home for the club during the 30 years we
spent there and we enjoyed many title
triumphs and cup victories.”
President Dai Davis, who was pivotal in
laying the foundations ahead of the club’s
rise to its current success, said: “We were
relegated in my first season with the club in
1993 and in those early days at Coronation
Road we were mainly playing in front of one
man and his dog.
“The board and I had a meeting that summer
and we decided we could go one of two
ways. Did we want to settle for being a
Sunday League pub team or did we want to
push for success.
“We all decided on the latter and we
continued to improve from that day forward.
Unfortunately, despite numerous meetings
with the town council at the time, we were
forced to move out of Kirkham in 2006. They
were either unable or unwilling to help us find
a new ground which when you look back is
really sad.
“Therefore, to progress up the football
pyramid, we were forced to move to
Kellamergh Park in Warton, and although we
have enjoyed some wonderful times there, it
feels like we are finally coming home.”
Another man who is thrilled with the new
name is club stalwart Mick Woods. Mick’s
association began in 1959 when he founded
the club as Kirkham Town and he has
since gone on to be a player, manager and
chairman of the team.
Mick Woods
Former Manager
Almost 60 years on and Mick is still a big part
of the matchday set up at AFC Fylde.
“I never imagined when we were playing on
the pitch at Coronation Road that we would
be moving to a stadium like Mill Farm,” said
Mick. “It’s fantastic. We have had some great
players down the years and it’s fitting that
we are honouring our past with the new road
name.”
The Coasters will move into Mill Farm in the
summer for the scheduled opening of the
stadium ahead of next season.
MEET OUR ARCHITECTS: FWP
FWP’s winning approach
to stadium design
Leading architect, design and master-planning
practice the Frank Whittle Partnership (FWP) is
one of the UK’s most successful teams when it
comes to maximising the potential of existing and
new sporting arenas.
The North West-based design and project management experts
have a track record of delivering vibrant and modern developments
for clubs across the country.
And the ambitious Mill Farm project is being delivered from concept
to completion by FWP’s specialist sports multi-disciplinary team.
It has been involved in Mill Farm from day one – working with the
club and owner David Haythornthwaite both to shape the plans
for development on the site and to create a home AFC Fylde can
be proud of.
That has included master-planning the whole of the Mill Farm
vision, working with other consultants to help guide the application
through the planning process, as well as designing the impressive
new stadium and project managing the development that is now
emerging.
David Robinson, managing partner at FWP, says the practice has
worked closely with the club throughout the process to create ‘a
vibrant and modern development that will be a real asset to the
community and its economy.’
A spin-off from that relationship is FWP’s support for
the AFC Fylde Community Foundation, providing
funding for children who would otherwise be unable to
participate in out of school sporting activities.
David explains the FWP ethos which it has brought
to the project.
“Our expertise is in developing modern facilities that will be used
by members of the community seven days a week, throughout the
year, something we believe is vitally important for modern day sports
venues to provide.”
David says the new 6,000 capacity state-of-the-art home for the
football ground will deliver something special for the club and its fans
while the overall development will also deliver a mix of impressive
employment, sporting and leisure uses for the area.
He adds: “We first started working on the vision for a new home for
AFC Fylde with David and the club a few years ago, originally looking
at another site in the area.
“We then worked with the club and the local
authority to identify other potential sites and came
up with the vision for Mill Farm that you are now
seeing being created.”
FWP’s expertise is in demand and it is currently involved in a number
of sports stadium projects across the country.
More than 60 sports clubs throughout the country have benefitted
from FWP’s advice, with many of them going on to design and build
modern new facilities.
The team is now working with Scunthorpe United to create a striking
12,000 capacity all-seater stadium as part of the masterplan for a £25
million out-of-town football and leisure development.
At Forest Green Rovers, FWP is working with the National League club’s owners
and green energy company Ecotricity to deliver a new 5,000 capacity stadium as
part of a £100m eco-friendly sports and green technology development.
FWP, with offices in Preston, Manchester and London, also managed the successful
multi-million pound project to deliver a first home for FC United of Manchester.
“In all our sports sector work our
aim is to deliver real destination
venues for sport, leisure and
entertainment for the whole
of the local community, with
real benefits for clubs and their
supporters.”
David Robinson,
Managing Partner
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MEET OUR PARTNERS: PEI DELTA
Whilst Dave Challinor’s side continue to dazzle on the
field, local electrical engineers PEI-Delta are looking
to provide the spark off it.
Based on Poulton Business Park, the electrical
engineering and contracting company, now in their 20th
year, work nationally on electrical design, installation
and maintenance for such clients as Hilton Hotels,
Whitbread, Premier Inn, Zara, Mango and locally
Ribby Hall and Partington’s Group.
Their first major project was the installation of the Pepsi Max Big
One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and their most recent largescale
project was a 178-bedroom Hilton Hotel in Southampton at the
Ageas Bowl with spa, ballroom and full press and media suite.
“Personally it’s very exciting
for me to work on such a
prestigious project.”
“We are based
and live locally
and the majority
of our staff are
from the local area
so we support the
ethos of Mill Farm
and AFC Fylde. It is
a truly locally based
entity with their roots
firmly embedded within
the community.”
NEWSLETTER 2016 ISSUE 2
“Over the last 20 years
we have worked all over
the UK and Ireland, so it’s
a great chance to work
locally on such a large
project.”
Managing director Bob Gallagher said:
“As well as working alongside Wardens, the main contractors,
and the professional design team on the base-build and
infrastructure for the stadium and pitch, we are also working
with Mill Farm Ventures and their design team on the fit-out of
the function suite, supporters bar and Mediterranean restaurant.
“Our role involves pitch lighting, road lighting, fire alarms, lighting
control, PA and voice evacuation system, data and audio-visual
systems. It has certainly been a challenging project, but a highly
satisfying one so far.
“Having been involved in the background in an advisor capacity during
the early development stages for over two years, it is exciting to now
see everyone’s hard work coming to fruition and the project starting to
take shape before our eyes.
“The challenge now is to bring all the different electrical elements together
to ensure that the project comes in on time, on budget and to the high
quality that such a prestigious development deserves.
“We are especially looking forward to the first AFC Fylde match played on
the new pitch so we can see our work is truly complete.”
From left to right:
Bob Gallagher, Managing Director
Mick Wiggins, Site Agent
David Rothwell, Director
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MEET THE NEIGHBOURS: ALDI
In the last issue we met Martin Balmer of Trilanco and
in this issue we talk to Aldi’s James Knott about
his excitement at moving to Mill Farm Sports Village.
Operations Director James Knott
admits Aldi are extremely excited
about bringing their international
brand to the ‘ambitious’ Mill Farm
Sports Village development.
James Knott explained: “We currently have
two stores in Preston, two in Blackpool and
one in Lytham St Annes, however people
living in and around Kirkham and Wesham
have had to travel to one of these stores to
do their weekly shop.
Aldi will open its latest store in Kirkham as
part of the Mill Farm development and will be
announcing a number of exciting initiatives in
the lead-up to the planned opening in June.
“Throughout the consultation process, it
became clear that a majority of residents
were in favour of both the Mill Farm
development and a new Aldi store.
Aldi is currently the fastest growing retailer
in the UK, opening its 600th store last year,
and has plans to open a number of new
stores across Lancashire in the coming
years. Further stores are planned for Chorley,
Preston, Poulton-le-Fylde and Blackpool
later in the year.
“We are very excited at being able to offer
greater shopping choice for residents, as
well as being part of such an ambitious
sports village, which we feel will become a
real hub for the local community.”
James Knott
Operations Director, Aldi
“Aldi offers marketleading salaries
and progression
opportunities for all
of its store roles,
and positions are
available from 15 to
30 hours a week.”
NEWSLETTER 2016 ISSUE 2
The Kirkham store will be one of Aldi’s larger format stores at 1,140 sqm in size and will feature
around 1,500 product lines at everyday low prices, including a wide range of fresh meat and
produce, in addition to weekly ‘Specialbuys’.
Recruitment for the Kirkham store is already underway and Aldi is aiming to have a retail team of
35 people in place ahead of the opening day. A number of store positions are available in Kirkham,
and Aldi is encouraging local people to consider the opportunities available.
Knott added: “We’re hoping to recruit from within the Kirkham community and I would
encourage anyone who is interested in a long-term career within the retail sector to
apply. Aldi offers market-leading salaries and progression opportunities for all of its
store roles, and positions are available from 15 to 30 hours a week.”
Aldi will be releasing further details on the store’s opening in the Spring. More information including
how to apply can be found on Aldi’s recruitment website at www.aldirecruitment.co.uk.
“We are very excited
at being able to offer
greater shopping choice
for residents, as well
as being part of such
an ambitious sports
village, which we feel will
become a real hub for
the local community.”
An artists impression of how Aldi’s new building will look.
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MEET THE TEAM
Bevan Middleton
Food & Beverage Manager, Mill Farm
Bevan has recently joined the team at
Mill Farm to head up and oversee the
entire food and beverage operation
having spent three decades in the
hospitality and catering industry
working at all levels including 4/5
star hotels, cruise liners and Michelin
star restaurants.
Highly experienced in his field, Bevan has
worked and lived in several countries around
the world including Grand Cayman, America
and Australia to name just a few.
Now settled on the Fylde Coast, he admits he
is delighted to be involved in such an exciting
project and is keen to help make Mill Farm the
best venue around.
“I’m thrilled to have been involved in this
venture from the beginning to help make
the Mill Farm dream come true. This venue
will be truly unique to the area and it will
be my mission to make sure it meets and
exceeds everyone’s expectations from
day one.
“I have worked at all levels within
the hospitality sector. I started out
washing pots at the ripe old age
of 13 in a French restaurant in my
home town in Shropshire, before
holding down three part time jobs
whilst studying hotel & hospitality
management.
“I have never been shy of hard work. I have been a
General Manager of boutique hotels and I thrive on the
diversity of this industry as two days are never the same.
“I am very proud to be affiliated with Mill Farm and feel
privileged to have the opportunity to create a new tradition
in what is already a club steeped in history and loyalty.”
Family-man Bevan ran his own business based in Lytham
and now enjoys spending time with partner Tammy and two
children George and Carrera.
Bevan will head up Bradley’s Sports Bar, The Café, Milano
Restaurant, Conference & Events and Match Day Hospitality.
“I’m thrilled to have been
involved in this venture from
the beginning to help make
the Mill Farm dream come true.”
AT THE VERY HEART OF THE COMMUNITY
The AFC Fylde Community Foundation works in the
very heart of the community throughout the Fylde
Coast to inspire the next generation of adults to
take part in a wide range of sports and recreational
activities.
This benefits participant’s mental and physical
wellbeing, alongside helping the community as
a whole.
In the last issue we met Director of Community Development, Tom Hutton and
in this issue we get to know Physical Activity Officer, Ryan Vaughan.
How and when did your position at
the Foundation come about?
I was working for the YMCA when Tom
rang me one day and asked if I would
like to come on board at the AFC Fylde
Community Foundation. I jumped at the
chance and started as a development
coach in January 2014 on a part-time basis.
In December I was appointed a full-time
Physical Activity Officer.
What jobs did you have prior to
joining the Foundation?
My first role was an apprentice at the
Lancashire FA where I worked for two years
before moving to the YMCA as an
apprentice academy coach. I also worked
for Blackpool FC as a lead academy coach
and I still do some work for Liverpool FC as
academy coach and scout.
Best part of the job?
The best part of the job is definitely making
a difference in the community. I really value
the work we do in schools and nurseries.
Worst part?
The admin side as I’m not keen on
paperwork. I would much rather be out
on the field delivering a session than
sat inside on the computer.
Most satisfying or proud moment?
When I came to the Foundation we
delivered programmes to ten nurseries per
week. We have expanded considerably
over the last year and we are now working
with 42, an incredible achievement. That’s
not solely down to me, but I find it very
satisfying.
How much do you enjoy your role?
I love my role. There isn’t a better feeling in
the world than making a difference to other
people’s lives.
How excited are you about
the move to Mill Farm?
“We can’t wait as a Foundation.
We are extremely proud and
honoured to be part of the move
to Mill Farm as we know how much
the club and the community as a
whole will benefit from it.”
To find out more information regarding the Foundation’s
fantastic work, please visit www.afcfyldefoundation.co.uk
or call Tom Hutton 07739 796101.
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CELEBRATE
CHRISTMAS
AT MILL FARM
Looking for something a little
different this Christmas…
Enjoy the festive period in
style at Mill Farm.
Mill Farm will be the perfect location
for friends and family to enjoy the fun
and festivities together.
Whether you are looking to dance the night
away with colleagues in a magical Christmas
setting, entertain the family on the big day
or simply popping in for a drink, there will be
something for everyone.
Soak up the festive atmosphere whilst
enjoying sumptuous dining in Milano, for
traditional Mediterranean cuisine with a
unique yuletide twist, visit Bradley’s for some
real beer and lighter bites or relax in our
warming Café with a wintery hot cocoa.
Exclusive private hire is available for our
main function room Churchill’s or for smaller
parties we offer our special Christmas party
nights, where smaller parties join together
to create a really vibrant party atmosphere.
Treat yourself to lunch or dinner in one of
our fantastic restaurants or function suites
and you will not be disappointed.
Whatever the occasion, Mill Farm
will provide an indulgent escape
from the hustle and bustle of the
festive season. Let’s start a new
Christmas tradition together here
at Mill Farm.
For more information on
Christmas at Mill Farm,
please contact Sophie
Seed on either
01253 667420 or
07885 969356.