Jon Back's 'Grandstand Blog' states
"In fact, one of the many things that happened over the past few months saw Simon and Jane (and the wider Board) quietly agree to a number of upgrades to the project which will be really noticeable when you are in there. At an additional cost of several hundreds of thousands of pounds, improved fixtures, fittings and finishes really lift the already great end result, and the addition of things like high-end resin floors throughout the grandstand will aid maintenance and longevity, as well as look fantastic."
The GL Events contract was to hand over the Grandstand prior to internal fit out by the Club. So it is presumed that the fit out cost was in addition to the £6.5m+ contract cost with GL Events. A glance at the most recent GoS photos shows the calibre and quality of the fit out and why costs have risen. In addition, I imagine the upgrade of the stadium sound system would have been a significant figure outside of the Grandstand costs. You also have the substantial earthworks in Central Park to create the surface water drainage overflow swale to enable Home park and HHP to properly drain and meet climate change requirements. Another significant cost.
Hopefully, all exceptional costs are now covered with this most recent cash injection and the Club will truly be placed on a sustainable footing which requires no unexpected additional funding. Much will revolve around the success of the team on the pitch. Positive results leading up to the holiday period will result in bumper crowds and of course we have the possibility of a favourable FA Cup draw if we make it past Rovers on Sunday. The hospitality offer will also soon be in full stride and the stadium can now host valuable revenue generating concerts such as those recently announced.
I sense we are on the cusp of far better financial fortune, without worrying budget constraints and, as others have said, we should be eternally grateful to Simon and Jane for their desire and willingness to properly fund this path to a genuine sustainable football club fully embedded within the community and region it serves.