More than 7 years of groundsharing are almost over for Newport IW FC, with the finishing touches being made to the club’s impressive new WightFibre Park.
Island Echo has been given a first look around the County Town club’s long-awaited new home at Whippingham, where a 1,500-capacity ground and modern facilities have been created for Newport and the wider Island football community.
Newport are currently scheduled to welcome supporters through the gates for the first time on Tuesday 1st September, when the Port host Fawley in what is hoped will attract a large crowd.
The landmark fixture comes just over 2 weeks later than originally planned, with the finishing touches being completed at WightFibre Park ahead of its eagerly anticipated opening.
From outside, WightFibre Park gives little indication of the scale of the facilities within, with the ground appearing considerably larger once through the gates.
At its heart is a 4G artificial pitch, which will be refreshed every 10 days as part of its maintenance programme.
The ground has an overall capacity of 1,500, including 176 seats, while 2 covered standing areas can each accommodate 75 spectators.
The main stand sits alongside the large clubhouse, with covered spectator areas also positioned behind the goals.
Floodlights from Newport’s former St George’s Park home have been brought back into use at Whippingham, but have been upgraded with new LED lights.
High netting is also set to be installed between the football ground and the neighbouring Racecourse to prevent footballs leaving the site.
Importantly for Newport’s ambitions on the pitch, WightFibre Park has been built to Step 4 requirements. That means the club could achieve 2 promotions from its current level before further extensions or improvements to the ground would be required to meet the relevant grading requirements.
Inside the substantial clubhouse are state-of-the-art changing rooms, a dedicated laundry room and office space. Like the ground itself, the building appears significantly larger inside than its exterior might suggest.
WightFibre Park is intended to be much more than simply a home for Newport’s first team.
The club already operates numerous youth sides and hopes to establish a women’s team, while the 4G pitch will be available for community use – including by teams competing in the Island’s local football leagues.
The clubhouse’s function room can accomodate 150 people and has a well-equipped bar and kitchen.
The opening of the new ground will bring to an end an exceptionally long road back to having a permanent home. Newport left St George’s Park at the end of the 2018/19 season after more than 30 years at the ground near Shide.
The Port initially moved to Beatrice Avenue, home of East Cowes Vics, before later playing at Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde. The club subsequently returned to Beatrice Avenue and, most recently, shared Westwood Park with traditional rivals Cowes Sports.
South Coast Leisure, which has developed the new stadium, has now been publicly thanked by Newport for the support it has provided throughout that period. According to the club, the company’s significant financial backing has included funding groundshare rental and away-team travel for the past 7 seasons.
Newport has particularly thanked Tony Wake and the current directors of South Coast Leisure for helping the club through difficult years and ultimately delivering its new home.
Paul Rushton, Director of Newport IW Football Club, has said:
“Football clubs don’t succeed on their own. They rely on people who are prepared to stand behind them, often without seeking any recognition. South Coast Leisure have done exactly that for many years.
“On behalf of everyone connected with Newport, I’d like to thank them for everything they have done for our club. We genuinely wouldn’t be where we are today without their support.
“The new ground isn’t just a home for Newport. It will provide first-class facilities that will benefit the Isle of Wight football community for many years. That’s a lasting legacy, and one everyone involved should be very proud of.”
Tony Wake, Director of SCL Development, has said:
“We’ve always believed Newport IW Football Club is an important part of the town and the wider community. We’re pleased to have been able to help the club over the years and we’re delighted that WightFibre Park is ready to open.”
Physical construction at the Racecourse site began in October 2024 following years of plans and delays.
WightFibre secured the naming rights to the stadium last month, with the Island telecommunications company also becoming Newport IW FC’s main sponsor under a 3-season agreement.
Now, after years of plans, delays and playing home matches elsewhere on the Island, Newport finally has the permanent base it has been waiting for – both for the club and the wider football community.
