10,000-seat stadium development in the pipeline
Wakefield Trinity’s Belle Vue stadium could get a £12m redevelopment, in a move that would see the rugby league team remain in the city.
Wakefield Council has put forward a proposal to build a 10,000-seat stadium on the site by 2020 and if approved, work could begin on the stadium in September 2018.
The plans have been agreed in principle with the Super League side, which has played at Belle Vue since 1895.
At a meeting with the owners of Wakefield Trinity, Wakefield council leader Peter Box put forward a proposition to build the new community stadium at Belle Vue, along with a retail, residential and entertainment development.
Peter Box said: “I am delighted that Wakefield Trinity will remain in this City. Today we have shared a bold proposal that has the potential to deliver a new future for rugby league and community sport in this district. If we all work together Wakefield Trinity fans can have a ground to be proud of.
“I made it very clear in July that all parties needed to explore other opportunities to move the community stadium forward. And this is exactly what has happened.
“We have been working very hard to bring this new option to the table and believe it offers the Club, fans and Wakefield residents a viable plan for a new home ground for Wakefield Trinity and a new stadium for the community.
“The future of the new Belle Vue proposal now rests with the Club and a Trust who need to produce a robust business plan that clearly demonstrates how they will generate income to meet the running costs and commercial rent.
“For the sake of the fans and the Club, I would hope that this plan can be delivered as soon as possible so that we can, at last, start to make this stadium a reality.”
Wakefield Trinity’s Michael Carter and Chris Brereton have agreed the proposal, in principle, and have confirmed that the Club will remain at Belle Vue for the 2018 season, subject to the details being finalised.
To speed up the delivery of the new Belle Vue project Wakefield Council has said it is willing to take out a lease on the site. This could mean that, once full agreement is reached and subject to planning approval, work could start on site in September 2018 and the new community stadium could be ready for the start of the 2020 Super League season.
Michael Carter, the owner of Wakefield Trinity RFL Club, said: “Myself and Chris Brereton are happy, after some tense negotiations, that we have agreed in principle a future ground for Wakefield Trinity. We are yet to agree all the minute details and have agreed with all parties that this will be finalised by October 31. If this proves to be satisfactory, then the Club will stay at Belle Vue for 2018 and be in a new stadium as soon as possible.
“All parties involved have worked extremely hard to get to this point and hopefully we will see a brand new ground at Belle Vue in the near future.”
The plan has been drawn up by Wakefield Council, Yorkcourt Properties and the 88m Group, who are the owners of the Belle Vue ground.
Manni Hussain, Chairman of 88m Group said: “The period running up to this agreement has been difficult for all parties concerned, that said, I am delighted that we have now reached an agreement that suits everyone. The new stadium will not only provide a home for Wakefield Trinity securing their long-term future; it will also be the centerpiece for the whole redevelopment of the site at Belle Vue, breathing new life into this important part of the city.”
Colin Mackie, Managing Director of Yorkcourt Properties said: “The officers of the Council and Yorkcourt have worked very hard on this proposal to reach agreement, which is pleasing. As the Leader says, we have always and will continue to work closely together to continue our goal of bringing jobs and prosperity to Wakefield, which this scheme will provide. With the goodwill and support of all concerned we jointly believe we can deliver this scheme.”
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