Preliminary work at the site of the new Newport Football Club ground at the Racecourse is to begin this week.
The main part of the works will be the creation of a visibility splay from the proposed access to the Racecourse by cutting back the hedgerow.
New hedgerow planting will be undertaken to compensate for this and the works are being supervised by an ecological consultant, with the approval of the Isle of Wight Council.
Other issues to be resolved
Newport FC chairman Peter Westhorpe said,
“There are one or two issues that need to be agreed with the Isle of Wight Council before the main work on the new stadium can begin but I know supporters will be encouraged to see this preliminary work get underway.”
Developments at Ryde
The club is currently ground-sharing with Ryde Saints at Smallbrook, Ryde, while the new stadium is constructed. Part of that ground-share agreement requires new floodlights at Smallbrook to be provided.
Peter added,
“I am pleased to say that we are moving forward on this issue too and I expect there to be some tangible developments in the very near future.”
Hopes for work to start in May
If remaining issues with the council are overcome, the hope is that work can commence on the new Racecourse stadium – including an all-weather pitch, clubhouse and ample parking – in May and be completed in the autumn.
News shared by Claire on behalf of Newport FC. Ed
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