Newport fans, management and officials have welcomed the start of work that will hopefully result in a new ground ready for the 2025/26 season.
Last Monday (16th September), contractors finally began work to demolish Newport’s former St George’s Park Ground in Newport, which will be replaced by retail units.
A spokesperson for South Coast Leisure (SCL) – the company that will build the new units and ground for Newport – has said:
“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.”
As soon as the demolition of the old ground has been completed, much of the equipment will be transferred to the site of the new ground at the Racecourse in Whippingham to begin work on the new ground.
Steve Racket, Chairman of the Supporters’ Association, has optimistically stated:
“We very much welcome this news and look forward to the next phase of the project. We have been in discussions with South Coast Leisure on a regular basis in recent months, and our expectation is that we will finally be playing football at The Racecourse next season.
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Newport co-manager Joe Butcher said:
“The ground seems to be closer than it has ever been over the past few years, but there’s still a long way to go.”
Newport chairman Jon Davies told Island Echo:
“It’s been a long time coming. I fully understand some of the cynicism that has been expressed. I was always confident it would happen but was reluctant to say so publicly.”
Long term supporter Paul Guy said:
“I’m happy they’re starting the demolition. I’m feeling positive. We’re all looking forward to seeing the new ground getting built on the Racecourse.”
Another long-term supporter, John Crates commented:
“I think that it’ll be soon. Hopefully, the building will start next month. At long last.”
Isle of Wight football super-fan Aaron Baker simply stated:
“It’s been a long time coming.”
