English rugby league club Wakefield Trinity has been given the green light for the next phase of the redevelopment of its Be Well Support Stadium at Belle Vue.

Wakefield Council approved the planning application for the redevelopment of the stadium, paving the way for work to start on the redevelopment in early 2022.

Following the purchase of the freehold of the stadium in March 2019, this phase will include the landmark construction of a 2,500-seater East Stand. This and the other developments are the most significant within the stadium for 75 years.

The development will also provide first class amenities for the wider community of Wakefield and for the many activities delivered through the Wakefield Trinity Community Foundation. The plans include:

  • Construction of a new 2,500-seater East Stand to include a large hospitality/conferencing facility
  • Refurbishment the existing “Rollin Shack” to provide a multi-functional leisure space including a café and club retail facility
  • Renovation of the North Stand terracing providing an upgrade to spectator amenity in that part of the ground and an increase overall ground capacity
  • An upgrade of the existing floodlights to latest LED technology
  • Installation of a 4G pitch suitable for all weather use by both club and the community
  • Creation of landscaped car parking and a FanZone behind the new East Stand

The cost of the works will be funded by a significant contribution from Newmarket Lane Ltd, a joint venture between Yorkcourt Developments and Henry Boot Plc, and other private funds facilitated by the club’s shareholders.

John Minards, chairman said: 

This is fantastic news and marks another significant milestone in our plans to develop the Be Well Support Stadium at Belle Vue into a Community Stadium for the people of Wakefield. We look forward to completing the necessary legal processes in January and making a start in earnest shortly thereafter.

Wakefield Trinity said it was grateful for the support received to date from Wakefield Council as well as the club’s advisors on the project who have included: Turner and Townsend, Project Consultants; Pegasus Group, Planning Consultants; AFL Architects; Waterman Group, Consulting Engineers; Smeeden Foreman, Ecology Consultants; and Williams & Co, Solicitors.

@PanStadiaArena