In my old life in construction my boss used to tell me if there’s a plot of land that looks like it should have been built on then there’s usually a good reason why so when this arises I have an interest as boring as it is. It’s usually something to do with utilities but looks like this used to be Bentley colliery so possibly due to this. Done a really dodgy overlay below
Probably not as interesting as I thought it might be, looks like some warehouse developer has got their hands on it anyway
Always used to make me smile whenever I went past that sign. 
I’m happy with where we are and think the ground’s footprint is OK, even for modest expansion should we need it.
The proximity to the motorway and the railway station is a big plus. I recall in our Champ days, against West Ham, a diverted Virgin Train from Wolverhampton made an extra stop at Bescot to pick up Hammers fans.
I always thought it should be spelt ‘Chateau Pleq’ to enhance its French ambiance.
The stadium definitely needs modernization without a doubt.
The two-tiered stand is fine, duplicate that at the away end, bump out the main stand, remove the pillars and increase the capacity. Remove the pillars from the family stand, increase the roof height to add more seats. All this should be achievable in 3-4 years. The cost to renovate would be far less than building a new stadium.
We don’t need any expansion just now. We barely fill half the seats most weeks.
But if I can dream a moment:-
I agree that the away end should be done first. Big single tier job like Preston or Barnsley. I think this will be the third time the home ends have sold out in around 17 years. Whereas the away end has been full over 40 times in the same period.
Should be built around 15 yards further back to allow our pitch size to go beyond the minimum if a Walsall manager ever wishes it.
Next a main stand similar to Wycombe or Northampton.
Then safe standing in the lower and the family stand thus meaning home fans have a choice of sitting or standing down the side or behind the goal.
Around 18,000. That’ll do.
Agree with the above. Attendances are creeping up and fell well above even the early Smith years this season, owing to optimism, a certain freshness and some good form.
Carry this momentum on to promotion in the near future and I could see us sustaining 6.5k+ week in week out in L1 with better average away followings. Improve the concourses (a bit like the new lower bar). Crack a 7-7.5k average and then it’s time to talk. Lets not forget, we barely did that in the Championship years.
But I’m all over safe standing and big single tiers.
A virtual stadium that can expand or contract according to need.
As someone who’s life revolved around WFC, to someone who although watches nearly every game, only attends a couple of games a year, if that
I can see something has changed, i can see more positivity from the club now more than any time in the last 15 years
Whether it would be enough to now drag me from the warmth of my conservatory (and beer machine ) i don’t know?
I will always look for results, i still get a buz from watching us on ifollow i will always engage with other fans on here, because it is like a family. and i am content with that at the moment.
You mean iFollow.
If you mean the site near The Globe Inn, it’s already been cleared for a warehouse development. That site would be handy for the new Darlo railway station that’s proposed for Cemetery Road/ Kendricks Road area, though.
A bigger site is being reclaimed for warehousing - the old IMI copperworks at the back of Chateau Pleck. This will be accessed of Reservoir Place.
Yeah that was the one mate 
What is the Arboretum extension used for these days?
Newts and that. 
Would have loved to have the ground in the town centre, but i don’t think there is anywhere free now?
But Aldridge old airport is still free 
Seriously though don’t think we need to move, As people have said above if we’re going to refurb then do one stand at a time. A bit like they did for Twickenham, ending up with one whole stadium with 4 matching pieces.
I agree with doing the away end first, as this as stated above are where the main need is, and would give the biggest capacity increase as we would be able to use the 2 sides and end for home fans with no segregation required. Plus this could incorporate a decent bar/food area for the aways to spend their wedge in.
Think being in the town would lose the club revenue as there’d be other places to eat and drink pregame.
If you had said that a few years ago i think attendances would have increased 
A bigger end to attract more away fans would have everyone moaning about us being crowded out of the refurbished Saddlers Club.
That’s why I said build them their own bar etc in the away end, home fans only in the Saddlers Club.
Just a note for all - nothing can be done to the family stand height because of the houses behind it. Shading concerns.
