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The University of the West of England (UWE) says it is “has not given up” on building a stadium with Bristol Rovers to despite the club stating that the deal has collapsed.

The club last night announced that plans to build a stadium near the university’s Frenchay campus had ended as the parties involved were unable to "agree acceptable terms".

But now UWE have come out and said they are “willing and open to continue negotiations” sparking confusion as to the state of the deal.

UWE Vice-Chancellor, Steve West, said: "UWE Bristol has not given up on this hugely important project. We have been and remain committed to delivering a new stadium and were disappointed to hear from Dwane Sports that they wish to bring negotiations over the proposed stadium at UWE Bristol to a close.

“We have always wanted the stadium project as part of our vision for the University and wider Bristol community masterplan for the Frenchay Campus. We still believe it would bring great benefits to the University, local community and the regional economy.

(Image: Arturus Architects)

“We have worked diligently and patiently with the new owners of the club and although we have been disappointed by the slow pace of negotiations, we are still willing and open to continue negotiations. This has been an initiative the University has been working on for over eight years and we still believe is deliverable. Planning consent does not expire until January 2018 and the door remains open for a deal to be struck and the University will continue to work on this project."

Increased attendance and a lack of expansion opportunities at the Memorial Stadium prompted Rovers to start looking for a new base as far back as the late 2000s.

(Image: Arturus Architects)

The initial hope was to build a 21,700 capacity arena in the South Gloucestershire area, but legal wrangling with Sainsbury's over the contract for the Memorial Stadium stopped the plans from going ahead.

However last May chairman Steve Hamer confirmed the club are in the process of agreeing a new contract with UWE to build a stadium on land next to its Frenchay campus.

Part of the deal was for the new stadium to provide a 1,270-space car park for the university, which would have been turned over to the club for fans' parking for evening and weekend games. The club also said it would provide teaching facilities at the new stadium for students taking media studies and other courses.

Fans have been left reeling from the news and have taken to social media to vent their frustration.

Matt Wood posted on Facebook: “Gutted but not surprised, had to think something was up as taking too long.”

Lee Watson added: “Oh dear where else is there?”

The club's holding company Dwane Sports has promised that it would be looking elsewhere for a permanent home.

The company said: "Dwane Sports is disappointed to announce that its discussions with UWE regarding a potential stadium development for the Club have been brought to a close as the parties were unable to agree acceptable terms.

"We will now immediately turn our attention to exploring all other opportunities for a new stadium or for a substantive redevelopment of the Memorial Stadium, whilst at the same time continuing to develop the new Colony training ground.

"We would like to thank the Club's supporters for your continuing patience as we continue to work on this very important project."