Wakefield Council approve major redevelopment plans for Belle Vue stadium, providing a brand new 2,507 seated capacity East Stand built to Super League standards, and community facilities
The project for Wakefield Trinity R.L.F.C. includes a resurfaced pitch, upgraded floodlights, new meeting rooms, offices, café and community use fitness facilities.
The major redevelopment
Pegasus Group prepared and submitted the planning application on behalf of Spirit of 1873 Ltd who own the ground.
The existing east stand will be demolished to make way for its replacement 2-storey stand which will provide over 2,500 seats and new internal spaces for both club and community use.
There will still be access from Doncaster Road to the redeveloped stand.
What are the benefits of the new scheme?
During construction 100 new jobs will be created on site and a further 166 will be generated in the supply chain including 12 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs on-site, with an additional 2 permanent FTEs once the Proposed Development is built and operational.
The estimated contribution to economic output is £14 million upon completion.
New facilities include a sport pitch and a gym which will be accessible to locals. It is hoped that by increasing the physical activity of Wakefield residents, the district will spend less on the related costs of inactivity.
‘Ambitious vision for the future of Wakefield Trinity R.L.F.C.’
Chris Calvert, from Pegasus Group, has commented on the major redevelopment plans:
“We are absolutely delighted that the Council backed this ambitious vision for the future of Wakefield Trinity R.L.F.C. and that we have secured planning permission on behalf of Spirit of 1873 Ltd.
“Achieving sustainable development requires the planning system to have three overriding objectives: an economic objective, a social objective, and an environmental objective.
“The proposed development is set to boast significant socio-economic benefits during both the construction and operational phases of the development.
“Wakefield Trinity R.L.F.C. has been an incredibly important part of the community and its history and the proposed development deepens that sense of place and identity further.
“Importantly, it promotes well-being, both physical as well as mental health and this redevelopment will bring about the ability for increased participation in physical activity, either by inspiring some to become more active having followed elite sport, or to simply come and use the facilities that are proposed.”
‘Very substantial community benefits’
In his report recommending the scheme for approval the Council’s director for planning said:
“The works will result in a significant improvement to the stadium both in terms of its external appearance, the professional standard of the sporting facilities and the capability of the site to accommodate community group sporting and related health improvement activities.
“Overall, it is therefore considered that the proposed development will result in very substantial community benefits.”
