Wasps reveal plans for move to Kent and new stadium
Former Premiership side Wasps are aiming to move to Kent and build a new stadium in the county.
The club went into administration a year ago and were removed from the Premiership as a result.
It would be a fourth home for Wasps, who spent most of their existence in London before moves to High Wycombe in 2002 and Coventry in 2014.
The club said it is actively engaged with Sevenoaks District Council to identify a suitable location and ensure that the development meets both the needs of the club and the broader community.
Wasps said: “Building on the rich 156-year history of Wasps, this move signifies a new chapter in the club’s journey, reaffirming its commitment to professional rugby. In a statement on 17 October the club discussed its strategic journey since October 2022. Having faced significant challenges with regulation and funding, the club has persisted with its determination to revive Wasps at the highest possible level.
“As the development progresses through its planning stages, Wasps will be actively exploring temporary facilities to underpin its operations in Kent. Whilst determined to establish a base in the southeast of England, the club has also agreed an option of utilising Worcester Warriors’ Sixways ground for both training and playing purposes, without in anyway replacing Worcester Warriors RFC and indeed committed to assisting their return to competitive rugby.”
Sevenoaks District Council said in a statement: “Wasps Rugby Football Club has put forward an early proposal for a new multi-use stadium, training ground and a hotel as part of our Local Plan ‘Call for sites’.
“The Local Plan sets out what could be built and where in the next 15 years and the ‘Call for sites’ identifies potential development sites that could be included in our new Local Plan.
“The location of the proposed stadium, training ground and hotel is the Pedham Place area on the outskirts of Swanley, Kent.
“You will have an opportunity to comment on Wasps’ proposal (and all other ‘Call for sites’ proposals), at our next Local Plan consultation from 23 November 2023 to 11 January 2024 (this consultation is subject to Cabinet approval on 9 November 2023).
“As a top tier Club, with an international profile, we believe this is a once in a generation opportunity. Wasps would bring unparalleled economic, sports development, health, education, skills and cultural benefits to the District and we are keen to explore how that could be achieved.
“However, the public and partners will all need to have their say on Wasps’ proposals before it could be considered for inclusion in the new Local Plan.”
It added: “Wasps’ proposals would also require planning permission, which again would give the public an opportunity to have their say and actively engage in the process.”
