Stalybridge Celtic release exciting plans to redevelop Bower Fold

Stalybridge Celtic have announced plans for a new collection of event spaces named ‘The Venues’, which will create an energising matchday experience and become the go-to setting for weddings, parties, and community & business events in Tameside.

The club has worked in partnership with MCD Construction Consultancy to develop ‘The Venues’ concept and both parties look forward to bringing everything to fruition over the summer.

MCD has been based in Stalybridge for more than 14 years and the club is delighted to have worked so closely with a local organisation. Mathew Cust, Director at MCD says: “We have a deep and personal connection to the Club, so we were excited to discover its aspirations to improve and re-invent the fan experience at Bower Fold.

“We’ve enjoyed working directly with joint-owners Nigel Jones and Paul Bowden and general manager Jill Jones and truly believe that we have been able to understand the Club’s objectives and then deliver solutions that incorporate the exciting new concept of a fan zone.”

Introducing The Venues at Celtic – four new event and hospitality spaces

The Bridge

The new fan zone will be known as ‘The Bridge’ and will be built on the site of the former demolished social club.

The main entry and turnstiles will be redeveloped to improve access and the visual appearance as you approach the Stadium. The Bridge itself will be created by playfully interlocking shipping containers, refitted, and repurposed as a food space, outside bar, and sponsors lounge, giving a great view across the pitch to watch the action.

The containers will help create a partially covered area for pre and post-match socialising, with a further space behind which will be utilised to create the perfect summer venue.

Mathew Cust explained: “Shipping containers are understandably becoming incredibly popular with sports clubs as they are effective, affordable and can create lively new aesthetics to reinvigorate the match day experience and beyond. We will be using local builders and supply chain partners to deliver the Club’s vision.”

Grays Now and The 1909

The club’s main function space will be split into two venues that can be used independently or together. ‘Grays Now’ will replace Bower Fold Events and will be a large event space used as the main bar on matchdays.

The newly created ‘The 1909’ will act as a space for matchday hospitality but can be used in tandem with Grays Now to create a larger event space.

Nigel Jones, Club Chairman, explained: “Our building holds happy memories for many people in the local area. “Grays” was a successful nightclub in the 90’s and we are proud to bring back those memories with a modern twist.

“When we have completed our renovations over the Summer, we will have a great venue for any sort of event. But importantly, we will be able to create a matchday space from which we can properly look after our loyal fans.

“We’ve divided the building into two spaces. The 1909 will help us to provide a classic matchday experience for our sponsors, advertisers, and other commercial Supporters and Grays Now will be used as our main matchday bar.

The Celtic Social

The fourth setting at The Venues at Celtic will be The Celtic Social – the club’s current matchday bar.

Paul Bowden, Celtic’s Finance & Operations Director said: “We are very grateful for the support we’ve received from Ian Whittaker and Andrew Betts who have got us up and running with the social club this season. We’ve now progressed this, and I’m delighted to confirm that this bar is now being run in-house – a first and small step towards supporting the Club’s self-sufficiency.

“Once the season is complete, we will take some time to refresh the bar to create The Celtic Social which will be the perfect venue for up to 70 people to hold a get-together whether that be a small party or business meeting.

“It’s been great working with the MCD team. Matthew, being a fan himself, instantly understood our objectives and has helped the Club to deliver the plans that we need to create the revenue to return the Club to the place it needs to be.

“We can’t wait to see things develop over the Summer.”