News shared by Gavin on behalf of South Coast Leisure. Ed
Work to demolish the former Newport FC clubhouse at St George’s Way will begin on Monday.
The project marks an important step forward for ongoing plans to build a retail park on the former football ground site, a scheme which will unlock funding for Newport FC’s new home off The Racecourse.
An announcement on the start date for both of these projects is expected soon.
Deteriorating for several years
The Newport FC clubhouse has been deteriorating for several years after the club found itself unable to maintain the facility.
Supported by development company South Coast Leisure, the club has in recent years been ground-sharing – latterly at East Cowes Vics – while plans for a new ground have been drawn up.
The new ground will feature its own clubhouse and grandstand overlooking an all-weather floodlit pitch. When not being used by Newport FC, the facility will also be available for community use.
The retail park will have a mix of retail outlets – all household names and which will, between them, create a significant number of new jobs.
Airey: A visible and important step forward
SCL spokesman, Paul Airey, said,
“Because of factors such as the Covid pandemic and then uncertain economic conditions, the whole plan has taken longer than any of us would have liked.
“However, we are now entering the final stages in terms of getting the agreements in place and we will hopefully be in a position to make further positive announcements in the near future.
“In the meantime, the demolition of the derelict old clubhouse will be a visible and important step forward both in terms of bringing a high-quality new retail offer to the town and also giving Newport FC the sustainable new ground they deserve.”
This response below comes from Steve Rackett on behalf of Newport IW FC Supporters Association. Ed
Newport IW FC Supporters Association, the body that owns Newport Football club has welcomed the news that South Coast Leisure (SCL) are about to start work on the first phase of their project to build a new home ground for the club.
SCL will begin work to demolish St Georges Park this Monday (16th September) and a key planning condition for the proposed retail park on the site is that it can only be opened once a new football ground at the Racecourse is operational.
Supporters Association Chairman Steve Rackett said,
“We very much welcome this news and look forward to the next phase of the project. We have been in discussions with SCL on a regular basis in recent months and our expectation is that we will finally be playing football at The Racecourse next season.
“As SCL have indicated, not only will this be a new ground and club house for Newport FC, but the all-weather pitch for will be available for wider community use & the Island is currently short of facilities such as this.
“It is turning out to be a big week for Newport FC. On Tuesday (17th) they will be entertaining National League Aldershot in the Hampshire Senior Cup at Beatrice Avenue. Kick off has been moved to 7pm.
“Supporters can see how well we are playing under our excellent new management team and I know everyone is looking forward to our biggest match against mainland opposition for some time.”
