Welsh United Rugby Championship (URC) club Ospreys has hailed Swansea Council’s decision to invest in its proposed new home at St Helen’s Sports Ground as a milestone for the project.
Ospreys in July selected St Helen’s as its preferred location for a new stadium from the 2025-26 season onwards. The club announced in May that it had identified the St Helen’s site and Dunraven Brewery Field in Bridgend as two potential options for its future home.
Ospreys has played at Swansea.com Stadium, home of Championship football team Swansea City, since the venue opened in 2005, but announced in January that it would seek to leave in order to play at a smaller facility more suited to the club’s needs.
The Council’s ruling cabinet has now agreed to invest in St Helen’s to create a new stadium there, subject to conditions. This will provide a new home for the Ospreys and create facilities that could be used by other clubs and the community.
Ospreys are now finalising the proposed layout of the site before submitting the designs for planning approval.
Phase one of the proposed development would see the installation of a new and relocated 4G pitch, refurbishment of the clubhouse and terrace, and the installation of new stands, as well as a fan zone.
Phase two would see the installation of a state-of-the-art training facility, including gym and office space, plus a training barn. As part of Ospreys’ ambition to make St Helen’s the hub of the community, the barn will also be available for community use.
Ospreys CEO, Lance Bradley, said: “We have been working very closely with the Council on this project, and it’s great that it’s taken an important step closer to coming to fruition. I’m confident that we can meet the conditions the Council have stipulated.
“We remain on course to commence construction of phase one in spring 2025, with the aim of taking the field by that winter. While that means we’ll be playing our first block of games of the 25-26 season elsewhere, we know it’ll be worth the wait for our supporters. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone home.
“This redevelopment will also be great news for both Swansea RFC and Swansea University, as they will both be continuing to play games at St Helen’s.”
The Council said discussions continue between a number of key stakeholders, adding that any changes to the operation of St Helen’s will be in a manner agreed by all the organisations involved.
The necessity for Ospreys to explore alternative stadium options for the beginning of the 2025-26 season comes with current St Helen’s tenant, Swansea Cricket Club, working to create an alternative home nearby. In the meantime, Swansea will be able the play the 2025 season – their 150th anniversary at the ground – at St Helen’s.
Rob Stewart, Leader of the Council, said: “We have significant ambitions for a sports science park in Swansea, and the Ospreys’ commitment to a long-term future in the city aligns with this.
“We’re working hard with them and others to make these visions come to fruition. There remains work to do, but our discussions with all stakeholders continue to be positive, and I’d like to thank everyone involved for their ongoing work with us.
“The Council is committed to working with Ospreys to achieve their ambition of playing at St Helen’s from the 25-26 season.”
