MILLWALL chairman Alan Thorne remains confident of forging ahead with plans to rebuild The Den - despite another setback.

Thorne had hoped to clinch approval for the new scheme from Lewisham Council earlier this month, but a crucial committee meeting has been deferred. No decision is likely until planning chiefs meet on January 24 1984.

The all-new plans include a major shopping development, sports centre and massive car park. The planning process is almost certain to involve consultations with residents and detailed negotiations between Millwall and the-council.

The GLC must also give its approval before the scheme can go ahead.

Thorne said, "These plans are far simpler than those submitted when we were in partnership with ASDA. It is in the interest of both Millwall and the council that we reach agreement, as we each own parts of the site."

The council's planning committee threw out a multi-million pound scheme for the football club's ground at The Den on Wednesday.

They said the scheme, for a new stand, sports centre, two superstores and car parking, was badly designed.

And planning chairman Nicholas Taylor accused Mr. Thorne of conducting talks for the deal through newspapers.

The last bid to develop the site in 1980 foundered when the backers, Associated Dairies, won planning permission and then withdrew.

Cllr. Taylor said, "We were seen as approving the ASDA scheme and then the chairman comes along with a different scheme and we appear as hostile when we turn it down. We are in favour of development but it must he properly designed."

An angry Mr Thorne yesterday accused Cllr. Taylor of having "verbal diarrhea."

"We have had full negotiations with the planners and architects department," he said. "All they needed to do was tell me what they wanted and we would have done it."

He said an appeal against the decision was being considered.

Our Chairman, Alan Thorne has announced that Millwall Football Club is poised to fulfill its dream of transforming the Den into South East London's premier stadium.

Contracts have been signed with Asda to build a superstore and, subject to planning permission, the redevelopment scheme will go ahead.

This announcement ends more than five years of negotiation over plans to redevelop the Den involving Millwall and Asda. They began in 1979 but collapsed in 1981 although the original scheme, on an adjoining site, received outline planning consent in 1980.

Mr. Thorne said: "The key to our latest negotiations with Asda is that we have been able to buy the six-acre site of the former United Glass factory which has frontages to both Mercury Way and New Surrey Canal Road, and this is where the store will be located."

"My relatives built the ground in the early 1900's and with our centenary year in 1985 my aim is to try and re-establish the ground and club for a further 100 years. "

"Every inch of the Den will be upgraded. All stands and terraces will be fully covered right down to the pitch and all terraces resurfaced. The North terrace will be graded so that if required seating can be provided. There will also be new turnstiles, toilets, including for the disabled, refreshment kiosks, souvenir shops and we are also investigating what other facilities can be provided and offered at the Den to serve the local community."

"An outline planning application has been made and if this is given the go-ahead, Asda will start work immediately on their scheme with an anticipated opening in Spring l986. We will begin our two-year phased redevelopment of the Den in the close season."

Statement by Alan Thorne in Millwall programme v Enfield (FA Cup 2nd Round 8th December 1984)

Associated Dairies, the Yorkshire based superstore giants, will build a shopping complex on land close to Millwall, if Lewisham planners give the go-ahead.

And revenue from the scheme will go towards a complete revamping of The Den, which should begin at the end of this season.

The new proposals for The Den include:

A roof running round the ground, to cover all seats and terraces up to the touchline;

Rebuilding the terrace opposite the main stand to provide the basis for seating in the future;

Construction of new turnstiles, toilets and refreshment facilities.

Millwall chairman Alan Thorne said, "My family built the existing ground in the early 1900’s. Now, with Millwall's centenary falling in 1985, my aim is to re-establish the ground and the club for a further 100 years."

Redevelopment was first proposed in 1979 by the then chairman Len Eppel, who linked up with ASDA. But the deal collapsed amid a storm of recriminations. Thorne then attempted to push through a revised scheme, but failed to find a backer.

As announced in the Enfield Programme and throughout the media, Millwall is poised to fulfill its dream of transforming "The Den" into South East London's Premier Stadium after more than 5 years of on-off negotiations with Asda Superstores.

Contracts have now been signed between the two companies and, subject to planning permission, the redevelopment will go ahead.

Mr. Thorne said: "The key to our latest negotiations with Asda is that we have been able to buy the six-acre site of the former United Glass factory which has frontages to both Mercury Way and New Surrey Canal Road, and this is where the store will be located."

"My relatives built the ground in the early 1900s and with our centenary year in 1985 my aim is to try and re-establish the ground and club for a further 100 years. Every inch of the Den will be upgraded. All Stands and Terraces will be fully covered right down to the pitch and all terraces resurfaced. The North terrace will be graded so that if required seating can be provided. There will also be new turnstiles, toilets, including for the disabled, refreshment kiosks, souvenir shops and we are also investigating what other facilities can be provided and offered at The Den to serve the local community."

Apart from doing away with the dereliction around The Den, the scheme will rejuvenate the entire area. The proposed Asda Superstore is virtually the same size as the original scheme and will extend to around 70,000 sq. ft. including a sales area of 42,000 sq.ft. It will sell over 30,000 items, including food. Access will be from New Surrey Canal Road and surface parking for 540 cars will be provided.

Our Chairman tells us that an outline planning application has been made. "If this is given the go-ahead, Asda will start work immediately on their scheme with an anticipated opening in Spring 1986. We will begin our two year phased redevelopment of The Den in the close season."

David Cransby, Asda development director, said that the superstore would provide over 400 jobs for local people and represented a major commitment by his firm to the future of Lewisham. "it also reflects Asda's ability to assist in the regeneration of inner-city areas by developing modern convenience shopping facilities that offer quality, choice and competitive prices for the public."

Other Asda superstores in London are situated at Becton, Isle of Dogs, Charlton and Park Royal. A development at Edgware Road is scheduled to open in 1985.

George Graham says he is delighted that the development is back on course. "Our fans have had to put up with poor facilities for years and the 'new look' Den will enable them to watch games in comfort, as well as giving a huge morale boost to the whole club."

"Clearly the final decision rests with the planners. I hope they grasp the opportunity with both hands by allowing the development to proceed. It probably represents the last chance we will have this century to help the Club and our supporters to bring The Den into line with other modern stadiums as well as providing much needed leisure amenities for local residents."

TROUBLE-TORN Millwall Football Club could soon he given a boost by councilors.  Lewisham's Labour group is Considering again plans for a Superden - with a giant Asda store, community centre, stand improvements and 200 jobs.

Asda want to site a massive supermarket on the former United Glassworks next to the ground which Millwall bought when the firm moved in December 1982.

But Labour and Tory sides were split in their support for the scheme at that time.

Now the Labour group is again considering the scheme, following an application from Asda and Millwall for planning permission which will be discussed at a planning and transport committee meeting on April 2.

Labour Cllr. Beth Wagstaff told last week's development control subcommittee more jobs would be created, and less lost from surrounding stores if the site is kept for industrial use.

But Lewisham Mayor and Millwall supporter Les Eytle said it would be "disastrous" to reject the plan.

And long-serving Labour Cllr. Tom Bradley asked, "Why should we ask the people from New Cross Gate, Milton Court and Ilderton Road, to depend on small shops? Why shouldn't they have the opportunity to purchase goods near to where they live at a reasonable price?"

Proposals for the redevelopment of Millwall F.C. have been in the pipeline since the mid-seventies. And in 1979 Millwall and Asda made a joint submission which was approved by the GLC. But in March 1982, Asda announced it was withdrawing from the scheme for construction and land ownership difficulties.

by ROB SMITH

Trouble-Torn Millwall Football Club is a vital step nearer its dream of a "Superden."

Lewisham Council has ruled the multi-million pound scheme "onside" by granting outline planning permission for a 42,000 sq.ft. superstore and ground improvements.

Retail chain Asda want to construct the store next to Millwall on the former United Glass site now owned by the club. In return, it will provide cash for stand improvements. a community centre, five-a-side football pitches and various facelift projects for the New Cross club.

Now the proposal must be agreed by both the GLC and the Environment Secretary before work can start.

The Decision on Thursday came as a great boost to Millwall chairman Alan Thorne who is considering an appeal against Football Association punishment after last month's cup riot at Luton.

A smiling Mr. Thorne said, "The meeting went very well, and this is a great step forward for the club.

"Now we are waiting to hear the reaction of the GLC. I am hoping to get this scheme going as fast as possible - hopefully during the close season - but it depends on how things go."

Councilors were split in their opinions of the scheme- which Asda claims will provide 200 new jobs.

Labour Cllr. Beth Wagstaff said more jobs would be created if the site was left for industrial use.

And she claimed the superstore would have a "detrimental effect" on the smaller shops in Deptford High Street and the New Cross Gate area.

But party colleague Cllr Roger Godsiff said, "The benefits to he gained from this proposal outweigh the disadvantages. There is no way a site of this size in the present economic climate will be snapped up by an industrial developer."

SUPERDEN GETS THE BOOT: Lions plan on verge of collapse    (May 85)

Special Report by Rob Smith 

MILLWALL'S Superden dream has been kicked out by the GLC. County Hall planning chiefs have blocked the latest version of the scheme that aims to revitalise The Den. But that isn't the end of the battle. 

Lewisham officials - who have already given the plans the thumbs up - will meet GLC bosses in last-gasp talks. The plan, masterminded by Millwall chairman Alan Thorne and retail giants ASDA, aims to: 

● BUILD a 42,000 sq. ft. superstore, which will create 200 jobs, on derelict land adjacent to The Den.

● BOOST crowd comfort by constructing a roof right round the ground to cover all seats and terraces;

● UPGRADE the terrace opposite the main stand, with provision for possible seating in the future;

● IMPROVE access by building new turnstiles, plus better toilets and refreshment kiosks. 

But on Wednesday Labour members of the GLC's planning committee stood firm in their view that the project should be scrapped. 

Planning chairman George Nicholson said the superstore would have a detrimental effect on smaller shops in Deptford and Peckham. 

He said, "There is only so much money around and it can only go in so many tins. I will not allow more and more retailers to cut each other's throats. " 

The proposed superstore site is the land formerly occupied by the United Glass company and the GLC chiefs are unhappy that the Asda project would lead to the loss of industrial land. 

But Tory member George Bailey told the committee that no-one had shown interest in the site since it became redundant three years ago. 

The GLC verdict will prove a body-blow to Millwall's hopes of getting the scheme off the ground before the new soccer season starts in August. 

Millwall manager George Graham, who steered his side to promotion, said, "Improving the ground is an essential part of placing the club as a whole on a sound footing." 

And the latest setback could have serious side effects. Millwall must now bring The Den up to standards demanded by the Safety of Sports Grounds Act. Much of the necessary work had been included in the Asda scheme, and Millwall had reached agreement with the Football Trust for grants towards the work, should the main plan get the go-ahead. 

Wednesday's verdict means that the club are back to square one with the Football Trust. Millwall expect a visit from GLC architects, who will rule on safety improvements. The Lions face the possibility of having to close some sections of the ground if work cannot be carried out before the start of next season.

And that, in turn threatens a proposal to turn part of the terracing opposite the main into a members only enclosure, as Millwall would not wish to limit access to one part of the Den if others were closed.

Superden still alive (June 85)

by Rob Smith 

Millwall still hope their Superden scheme will be given the go ahead. 

The plans to build an Asda superstore next to the Den were rejected by the  GLC's planning committee last week. But Lewisham councilors are to meet GLC members before County Hall's next planning meeting on June 27. 

Lewisham, who favour the scheme, hope for a change of heart from the GLC, who decided a superstore would damage smaller businesses in the Deptford area. 

Lions Face Heavy Bill   (June 85)

by Brian Stater 

Millwall look certain to face a massive ground improvements bill when the GLC reveal their safety requirements later this month. County Hall chiefs will give the Lions a detailed demand following a Den inspection. 

But the club fear the cost could approach £250,000. They expect to have to make improvements to the exits from the terracing opposite the main stand, upgrade the surface of the standing areas, and make changes in the seating areas. 

And though the Lions be eligible for grants from the Football Ground Improvement Trust there is a massive demand on the money following the decision to designate all League, grounds in the wake of the Bradford tragedy. 

Under normal circumstances Millwall could have expected priority as one of the clubs promoted to the Second Division. 

Meanwhile the FA and Football League insist they have not discussed possibility of including Millwall in a proposed plan to impose compulsory membership card schemes on clubs with a history of crowd trouble. 

The idea emerged at Wednesday's Downing Street talks with soccer chiefs but no action will be taken before a meet with Sports Minister Neil McFarland next week 

From the Mercury

Crunch Time for Superden   (July 85)

by Rob Smith

Two councils are mounting a heavyweight attack on the GLCs decision to boot out Millwall's Superden scheme. Southwark have now joined Lewisham in supporting the project involving a 42,000 sq. ft. Asda superstore next to the club in New Cross. 

The giant retail chain are set to buy the land - the former United Glass site - from Millwall and in return provide cash for stand improvements and facelift Projects. 

The GLC claim that the new store will only add to "threat-cutting" by shops in the area. And the smaller shops in Deptford and Peckham will suffer the most from the new big operation. But now that argument has been challenged by both the local authorities in their backing of the Asda scheme. 

The green light from Southwark Town Hall has brought little joy for Millwall officials, who are fuming over the GLCs dithering which is delaying the scheme. 

"The GLC's decision to refuse, but talk again with Lewisham is probably the worst thing they could have done,” said club chief executive Tony Shaw. 

"If they had rejected it completely, we could have got on with or appeal to the Environment Secretary.  " He said chairman Alan Thorne - currently ill with diabetes - was very low about the whole affair, but Southwark's decision would "help instead of hinder." 

He said the delay over stand improvements would probably lead to restricted attendances next season - although the average home crowd would not cause Problems. 

The GLC and Lewisham met last week and County Hall's last word on the scheme will come at a planning meeting tomorrow afternoon. 

If it again decides to refuse the protect, Millwall will begin working on an appeal to the Environment Secretary. Asda claim the superstore will create 200 new jobs. But the GLC is unhappy about the loss of industrial land. 

Proposals for the redevelopment of Millwall Football Club have been in the pipeline since the mid-seventies. And in 1979, Millwall and Asda made a joint submission which was approved by the GLC. But in March 1982 Asda announced that it was withdrawing from the scheme. 

Future tense   (July 85)

Chairman’s lifeline hope: Lions sweat on GLC decision

Millwall's future may well have been decided at a tense GLC planning meeting yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon. That's when the politicians will decide whether to change their mind and support ASDA's application for a superstore at the Den.

While the GLC believed the plan would hit local shopkeepers, ASDA would have argued yesterday that their store would create 200 more jobs. 

If the scheme was turned down again, Millwall were ready to appeal to Environment Secretary Patrick Jenkin. 

Superden Snub   (July 85)

by Rob Smith

Millwall look certain to appeal to the Government following the latest set-back in their Superden dreams.

On Wednesday the GLC ignored last-ditched pleas by Southwark and Lewisham Councils and confirmed their decision to block the plan that aims to bring an Asda Superstore to The Den.

Now Lions chairman Alan Thorne and Chief Executive Tony Shaw - currently on holiday in America - are expected to take their case to the Secretary for the Environment.

The deal envisages Asda taking over land next to The Den, and in return providing cash for stand improvements and facelift projects.

But the committee said superstores should be sited in town centres, and the Millwall proposal would cripple small shops.

by Brian Alexander

Millwall admitted yesterday that the cost of ground safety work at The Den could reach the £1 million mark.

Newly promoted Millwall are now a designate club under the 1975 Safety of Sports Ground to gain a safety certificate, they must carry out extensive work. But the GLC safety inspectors who visited The Den back in March, have yet to issue detailed instructions.

Club secretary Sylvia Shaw told me, "We are totally in the dark, but the improvements could easily cost £1 million. We would then be relying on the Football Trust to give us a lot of financial assistance."

Among the work expected to be required by the GLC is widening of exits, resurfacing concrete terracing and building new gangways in the terrace opposite the stand.

THE rejection of Millwall FC’s Superden plan has been met by open defiance by council chiefs. Associated Dairies (Asda) want to develop the former United Glass factory site in Cold Blow Lane by the Millwall ground.

But the GLC has blocked the plan, which includes a 42,000 square feet superstore.

It says the store would hit local traders and the site must he used by industry. By law, Lewisham Council has to accept the GLC verdict, but now Asda is to take the plan to appeal and Environment Secretary Patrick Jenkin.

At a Lewisham development control subcommittee last week councilors pledged their unanimous support for de Superden plan. Asda spokesman, Allan Preece who was at the meeting, said they would open their store by Christmas 1986.