Plans
for a new community football stadium for Leamington Football Club are a
step nearer to becoming a reality with the signing of an agreement
between Warwick District Council and Warwickshire County Council to
purchase land off Europa Way to make way for the development of a sports
and community hub.
The plans which have been developed by
Leamington FC and the District Council, could see the construction of a
5000 capacity football stadium with a 3G artificial pitch, conference
facilities, gym, café and community facilities on land adjacent to
Europa Way and Gallows Hill. It is also highly likely that the scheme
will include facilities for the local health services. The proposals
will provide a much needed new home and asset for Leamington FC located
nearer to both Warwick and Leamington town centres and public transport
routes.
As well as the stadium Warwick District Council is
leading on two schemes on the site to provide more affordable housing.
The first is in partnership with Waterloo Housing/Galliford Try
Partnership to develop 375 new homes 150 (40%) of which will be offered
as affordable and the second is a development of 50 affordable homes off
Europa Way. Overall, the project would also bring a new primary school,
community hall and medical centre as well as improvements to the road
network and cycle links.
Leamington FC’s Chairman, Jim Scott said:
“Leamington
FC very much welcomes this key milestone in our ambitions to create a
new home for our club. A new stadium with improved access and facilities
will help us fulfil our aspirations to move into higher leagues. It
will also allow us to develop and expand our presence in the community
through our programme of football related activities. This will give
more people the opportunity to get involved, be it as a player,
spectator or user of the facilities.”
The Leader of Warwick District Council, Cllr Andrew Mobbs commented:
“I’m
very pleased that after many years of planning it looks like this
exciting project could become a reality. A new stadium and sports hub
for our area has the potential to be a new focal point for the community
with huge benefits for the health, fitness and well-being of our
residents.”
