QPR 1st Supporters’ Trust has drawn up a first draft of a comprehensive survey to ask fans what they want to see in the club’s planned new stadium.

The Trust is asking for comments from supporters before the survey is finalised.

Trust chair Stephen Dedridge said: “If the club are to get the new stadium right, then it is vital that those who will be using it – the supporters – get a say on its design and facilities.”

“We have worked with Supporters’ Direct and supporter trusts of other clubs to find examples of surveys that have actually made a difference. The draft we are now publishing is based on the best examples we have found, and made relevant for QPR. We want to hear from supporters if they think the right questions are being asked, and if there are other issues they want to see covered.”

QPR1st wants the club to take up the survey and use it to make sure supporters have their say on the new stadium.

Last year QPR chief executive Philip Beard promised there would be consultation with supporters on the new stadium. Since then the club asked supporters to fill in on-line survey forms on how they travelled to the recent Wigan and Blackpool games at Loftus Road, but has yet to ask fans about the stadium itself.

Stephen Dedridge said “The club’s programme for the Blackpool game reminded us how things can go wrong. The move to a larger stadium in the 1960s resulted in plunging attendances because the stadium was just not right for the club and its supporters.”

“We don’t want that to be repeated,” he said.

A good example of supporters being surveyed was around proposals for a new stadium for Bristol City. Working with the supporters’ trust, the club surveyed supporters on a wide range of issues. The findings were shared with the architects for their proposed new stadium nearly a year before they published their design for the stadium. Supporters were surveyed again on the published designs.

It was a win-win situation; supporters could see their views had been considered and often taken up, and the club could see that involving supporters led to an increase in support for the project.

Supporters are asked to comment on the survey and its questions before it is finalised. Comments should be sent to info@QPR1st.com by 27 April.

Download the QPR1st Stadium Survey Draft or view the draft online.

QPR1st Supporters’ Trust welcomes the news that new training and academy facilities for the club have come a step closer.

A High Court judge has rejected an application for a judicial review of the redevelopment of Warren Farm in Ealing, made by a local community organisation. This opens the way for the progress to be made in developing the centre.

QPR 1^st chair Stephen Dedridge said: “It really is good news for the long-term future of the club and its ability to attract, develop and retain young talented players.   Bringing together facilities for the first team squad and the academy in one place must be a good thing.

“We hope the club will work with local people to overcome the fears that some of them have, both during the construction of the centre and to ensure that they are among those using the community facilities when it is complete.”

QPR 1^st Supporters Trust back historic community project

QPR 1st Supporters Trust is donating £8,000 in support of QPR in the Community Trust’s intergenerational media project engaging fans, young people and the local community to chart the history of QPR FC.

The Story of QPR, being produced by QPR in The Community Trust in partnership with the Octavia Foundation, takes a historical look at the club from the point of view of the R’s fans.

The project will provide opportunities for fans and volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to contribute and be involved throughout the research and planning stages. A further 40 young people will be recruited and trained in film-making, media, research and heritage skills as part of the production of the film and other accompanying materials, including a podcast, soundtrack and website.

Left to Right – Andy Evans, Stephen Dedridge, Neil Jackson, Serena Williamson

Andy Evans, CEO of QPR in the Community Trust, said: “QPR in the Community Trust wants to involve young people and fans. We are delighted to be working with QPR 1st in a project that will give the opportunity to local young people to produce their own DVD, interviewing fans about their relationship with QPR and their history of the club.

“This project is particularly relevant as the club prepares to move away from Loftus Road and will provide an important record of the club, staff, players, and fans alike as the club begins a new chapter.”

The cheque was presented prior to Saturday’s Championship clash with Burnley at Loftus Road as part of the Trust’s 20 year anniversary celebrations.

It follows an award made by the Premier League Charitable Fund and the PFA (Professional Footballers Association) to QPR in the Community Trust to support the costs of the project.

“This is a project that will celebrate the close relationship between QPR and its supporters,” Chair of QPR 1st Supporters Trust, Stephen Dedridge, added.

“At a time of planned change it is particularly important to look at the heritage of QPR, and what makes us a very special club. That link between the club, its supporters and the communities of west London is an important part of its heritage and vital for the future too.

“QPR 1st has been looking after the Hoops Fund since it was raised by supporters at a time of dire financial crisis for the club ten years ago. Now some of that money is being used to give something back to supporters with what should be an excellent record of the club and its fans.”

The film will receive a preview screening at Loftus Road this summer, before beginning a screening tour of cinemas, schools and community centres across London. 

A DVD will be available for sale later.

Want to get involved in The Story of QPR? Email qprfilm@octaviafoundation.org.uk for more information.