Stourbridge FC's Unsafe Facilities to Be Replaced After Planning Approval
Dudley Council planners have granted permission for new stands at Stourbridge Football Club, replacing facilities that were condemned as unsafe due to potential subsidence issues. The existing central south stand at the War Memorial Ground in Amblecote was found to be unstable because of its proximity to a sandstone cutting, prompting the need for urgent redevelopment.
Council Negotiations and Lease Agreement
The football club is built on land owned by Dudley Council, and after extended negotiations, a framework for a new lease has been agreed upon. However, efforts to retain the existing stands proved unsuccessful. A design and access statement from Design to Build, submitted in support of the application, explained that prolonged discussions with the council on stabilising the cutting or embankment did not result in a mutually acceptable scheme.
The statement noted: "The club therefore proposes to demolish unsafe or compromised structures and re-site new stands in safe zones, while retaining usable standing areas that are unaffected."
Redevelopment Details and Funding
The approved scheme includes new seating for 2,613 fans, along with new floodlights and a fence at the historic stadium. Stourbridge FC estimates the total cost of the redevelopment to be around £800,000 and has already begun fundraising efforts. The club has secured £10,000 towards the £100,000 needed for new floodlights and is collecting donations through various methods, including a GoFundMe page.
A statement from Stourbridge FC emphasised: "The board as a committee appointed by the members will continue to work tirelessly in the hope we can secure the prospects of Stourbridge Football Club for the near and distant future."
Cricket Club Concerns and Objections
The ground is shared with Stourbridge Cricket Club, which supports the improvement of the stands but has raised concerns about the timing of the work. In an objection to the application, the cricket club highlighted that it has sole use of the ground from May 1st to August 31st and cannot allow any disruption to its members' usage and enjoyment during that period.
The cricket club stated: "In the absence of any reasonable request or detailed programme of works, Stourbridge Cricket Club has to unfortunately object to the above application in the interests of its membership and members of opposition clubs who will be playing on the ground."
This redevelopment marks a significant step forward for Stourbridge FC, addressing safety concerns while aiming to enhance the fan experience at the War Memorial Ground. The project underscores the challenges of managing shared sports facilities and the importance of community collaboration in such initiatives.
