Feature

Wakefield Trinity agree new 10,000-seat stadium plan

Wakefield Trinity look set to stay in their home city after a £12m plan to redevelop Belle Vue stadium was announced.

The Super League club, which has been based at Belle Vue since 1895, will play at a new 10,000-seat community stadium on the site of the current ground.

After a long-running saga, a proposal has been agreed by the council and Wakefield Trinity that would also see retail, residential and entertainment development at the site.

The club had been facing leaving Belle Vue as it does not meet minimum ground standards for the top flight.

Michael Carter, the owner of Wakefield Trinity, said: “Myself and [director] 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.”

The existing stadium has a capacity of just 7,000, and does not satisfy Super League requirements relating to media facilities, disabled access, closed-circuit television and parking.

Wakefield council leader Peter Box said: “I am delighted that Wakefield Trinity will remain in this city.

“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.”

IMAGE: Wakefield Council