Wakefield’s stadium plans collapse

Wakefield Trinity have suffered a huge blow today after talks between the club and the council collapsed over their proposed expansion of Belle Vue.

Plans to redevelop the old stadium were announced last month, but Wakefield Council have today released a statement saying that there has been a break down in the agreement.

“Wakefield Council announced last month that it would take out a lease on the Belle Vue site to speed up the delivery of the new project, an offer which still stands.

“However, the club’s owners have now rejected these plans and instead suggested that the stadium be built at no cost to them, while retaining sole control over its income and operations.”

The local authority’s corporate director for regeneration Andy Wallhead has stated to the Yorkshire Post that Trinity’s owners Michael Carter and Chris Brereton are now seeking alternative options.

Wallhead said: “The fact that the club’s owners will not consider paying a fair commercial rent alongside other tenants in a stadium owned and operated by a charitable trust is unbelievable, especially as we understand that the Super League deal with Sky pays them a significant sum to cover accommodation costs including reasonable rentals.”

More to follow…