HS2 prompts rugby club to try and find a new home
A MIDLANDS rugby club has submitted plans for a new ground in anticipation of it being relocated as a result of the HS2 high speed rail line.
Old Saltleians (‘Old Salts’) Rugby Club has submitted a planning application to North Warwickshire Borough Council to build a new ground on a 16-acre site off Coleshill Road in Water Orton – a short distance from the club’s existing ground.
The club is currently based at Watton Lane, which is situated in the centre of what will be an important intersection, known as the Delta Junction, where HS2 will split before travelling north.
Should the ground have to be compulsory purchased then the club should be in line for compensation from the Department for Transport.
Old Salts, which plays in the Midlands 2 West (North) Division, has been based at Watton Lane since 1954.
This will be the third time the club has been affected by new transport infrastructure, having been relocated initially by the construction of the M42 and latterly the M6 toll motorway.
The proposed relocation of its ground and significant changes to RFU guidelines will enable the club to provide new facilities for the players, fans and the local community.
Plans for the new ground include a 9,000 sq ft clubhouse, with a bar and restaurant, men’s and women’s changing rooms, three full size senior pitches, three junior pitches and a mini pitch, as well as 177 car parking spaces.
Julian Harradence, a director of Old Saltleians RFC, said: “This is the culmination of a lot of hard work since HS2’s announcement in 2010 and has not been achieved without the considerable support of the local community, North Warwickshire Borough Council and HS2 itself.”
Property consultants Bruton Knowles is advising Old Salts on the acquisition of the new site.
Ian Mercer, partner and head of development at Bruton Knowles in Birmingham, said: “The search for a suitable site for the club’s new ground hasn’t been without its challenges. The club has a close affiliation with the local community, so it was important for it to remain in Water-Orton, which restricted the number of available suitable sites.
“Having identified the preferred site, we worked proactively with local landowners to agree suitable terms for the club’s relocation.”
Work on the new ground is scheduled to begin this year, with completion in 2018.
Other advisers on the project include AJA Architects, Nolan Associates, RLF Construction and Property Consultants, Graceful Solutions, and Squire Patton Boggs. Club members have also played a key role in the project since the initial HS2 announcement was made.
