Work to demolish the former Newport FC stadium 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, but it is believed both projects could be completed by mid to late 2025.
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.
Paul Airey, spokesperson for SCL, has 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. But 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.”
SCL has applied to the Isle of Wight Council to vary the planning permission already granted in order to change the style of the retail park, seemingly to save money on materials.
Do we really need a retail park? This will just become another nail in the High Street coffin.
Spot on JohnR. There is no logic in this development in a climate where our High Streets are dying. It would be better utilised for reasonably priced housing, WIN WIN.
Assuming the plan shown above is for the new facility I feel it would be worth the scheme allowing land for additional car parking as popularity and supporter numbers grow over time. The location won’t encourage walking to the ground so car travel will no doubt increase. Also I feel bus stops should also be installed to help reduce car use.