[Biggs]

It’s not ‘at best’ a Leitch style grandstand. It is literally a grandstand designed by the Leitch company . And the last one, too.

Adi Dassler is long dead, it doesn’t make the Adidas trainers I’m wearing any less authentic. It’s a completely bizarre argument to suggest otherwise.

I’ve never known the balcony uncovered either, that doesn’t mean it’s right. It was clear from the GoS pics that it had been neglected for years, and there was a treasure underneath. I’ve never know the Portland stone buildings on Royal Parade to not be covered in soot and pollution, it’s still wrong that they’re not washed and maintained to show their true glory.

Again, not saying there shouldn’t be adverts there, but no way on earth is covering it entirely in MDF the most elegant solution for the most historic feature of the whole building.

It'd be nice to have the riveting exposed but understand the need for the advertising to be put back. If the club does come into money in the future then we might see them again - they are still there after all.

May not agree with all on here but personally I think any way we can maximise revenue that can feed back into the playing budget to help us back up the leagues we should do so, with the exception of naming rights to the whole ground known only as ‘Home Park’.

It’s not ‘at best’ a Leitch style grandstand. It is literally a grandstand designed by the Leitch company . And the last one, too.

Adi Dassler is long dead, it doesn’t make the Adidas trainers I’m wearing any less authentic. It’s a completely bizarre argument to suggest otherwise.

I’ve never known the balcony uncovered either, that doesn’t mean it’s right. It was clear from the GoS pics that it had been neglected for years, and there was a treasure underneath. I’ve never know the Portland stone buildings on Royal Parade to not be covered in soot and pollution, it’s still wrong that they’re not washed and maintained to show their true glory.

Again, not saying there shouldn’t be adverts there, but no way on earth is covering it entirely in MDF the most elegant solution for the most historic feature of the whole building.

I totally agree. My days of working in London decades ago allowed me to attend Arsenal's Highbury. There was something majestic about those unadvertised balconies, so much so that the Leitch Stands helped form part of the residential development that took place after Arsenal moved to The Emirates Stadium. I am reminded of the saying 'Needs must' at Argyle, but nevertheless it is a pity.

It IS a real pity but as others have said, it's needed for revenue.

Our advert will be there, right bang in the middle. PASOTI will be seen by anyone watching the match on TV.

Great!! It seems a no brainer to have adverts across the front of the Grandstand upper tier.

I have to admit that I don’t understand the importance or value of retaining the ’Leitchness’ of the Grandstand.

The 'importance' is the fact that it IS important.

Many 1000's of art deco fireplaces were boarded up in the 60's and 70's they now sell for many thousands.

Form is temporary class is permanent Davie.

However, my policy is if you can't beat them join them. So I jumped in quick with the PASOTI advert as I am sure that ALL of the available spaces will soon be sold. It really is a prime position.

[Biggs]

I have to admit that I don’t understand the importance or value of retaining the ’Leitchness’ of the Grandstand.

Sorry Dave, but...

This is an emotive issue for many, but I have a fondness for the old grandstand simply because it is Argyle's old grandstand and not because it is a Leitch building.

It is a shame that the balustrade will not be very visible, and perhaps the club could have kept a small section or two open.

Archibald Leitch (and company) designed many stands, but I believe he rose to fame when he designed the Main Stand at Ibrox. This is now the Bill Struth stand and is heritage listed,, but all that remains today is the ornate brick facade at the back of the stand (which has a modern roof attached on top).That balustrade is long gone - and apparently not missed by many (including the heritage listers)

The balustrade is a typical feature of the Leitch "design", but the stands often feature, and are remembered for, the red brick facades (as at Ibrox, Craven Cottage etc..) and a series of pitched roofs - both features notably absent from HP.

By the way, Leitch had previously designed a wooden stand at Ibrox. Part of that stand collapsed a few years later in 1902 causing over 500 injuries, 125 people to fall 50 feet to the ground and 25 of those to be killed. Some blamed the poor quality timber, some blamed the design (see Wikipedia aricle on Ibrox).

[Argylegames]

I have to admit that I don’t understand the importance or value of retaining the ’Leitchness’ of the Grandstand.

Likewise Davie.

A few years back I bought a copy of the book featuring Leitch's stands and was disappointed to discover that HP wasn't in the book.

As said above, the front of the top tier is not one of the main points revered by Leith fans, it is in fact the rooflines and the brickwork.

The redevelopment of the Grandstand, as splendid an improvement as it is, has long since lost any vestige of its Leitch heritage. The original Leitch inspired profile has been completely remodelled, the roof alignment completely changed, the lower tier has been completely reconfigured and none of the interior, including the centrally located player's tunnel remains except just the upper tier concrete structure and supporting columns.

In fact the balcony facade represented the only recognisable Leitch feature left after the reconstruction which is why it has remained precious to some, me included. However, given the above I have long since given up the hope that it may be retained. In any case, for all the years I can remember it has been adorned with a myriad of adverts.

The Club have been marketing the advertising space for some time and I have no doubt it will contribute thousands of pounds to much needed revenue. If I was making the decision I too would, albeit reluctantly, sanction the use of the facade for advertising on a needs must basis.

Ironically, looking at the EFL version of the Cheltenham highlights the only time the facade (and consequently any advertising) was fully in screen shot was the Lolos shot at the end.

The 'importance' is the fact that it IS important.

Many 1000's of art deco fireplaces were boarded up in the 60's and 70's they now sell for many thousands.

Form is temporary class is permanent Davie.

However, my policy is if you can't beat them join them. So I jumped in quick with the PASOTI advert as I am sure that ALL of the available spaces will soon be sold. It really is a prime position.

I guess I’m just not interested in Art Deco (unless he is a new centre back or striker).
I’m very happy that our Grandstand has been ‘given a big lick of paint’ and that, hopefully, the consequences of this major project will, in the medium term, result in success for PAFC on the football pitch.

I think most Argyle fans would agree to that mate!