A challenging topographical survey of an extensive brown field site performed by Met Geo Environmental Limited of Leeds has delivered a bright new future for one of rugby league’s oldest professional clubs.
Earlier this month, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats received notification that local government secretary Eric Pickles has provisionally passed planning permission for a brand new 12,000 capacity stadium at Newmarket north of Wakefield in West Yorkshire.
The successful application was informed by Met’s preplanning survey of the approximately 200 acre former colliery and opencast site adjacent to the M62 north of Wakefield.
Densely wooded parts of the site presented a challenge that required surveying in carefully managed stages over a period of several months, but has now resulted in delight for the Super League Club.
Wildcats Chief Executive James Elston says the decision is one of the most significant days in the club’s history. “This is fantastic news and a decision that provides security for the club’s long term future which now looks even brighter,” said Elston.
“The Rapid Solicitors Stadium, Belle Vue is an historic venue in rugby league and one that has provided so many great memories for people over 100 years but in order for the club to kick-on we needed the Newmarket development to get the green light and now our supporters can look forward to seeing us playing in facilities that are befitting of them and this great club.
A more dense area of vegetation on the Newmarket site which required surveying.
It is also excellent news for the district as a whole which has been desperate for facilities of this quality for a long time and with our strong links with the local community we can all look forward to a fantastic sporting future for Wakefield.”
The Stobart Super League club were among the founding members of the old Northern Union in 1897 and have been at their old Belle Vue ground since 1878. The Wildcats were awarded a Super League licence providing they moved from their Belle Vue site.
The ‘Newmarket development’, which is understood to also include commercial elements, is expected to be complete in time for the Wildcats to take their place as anchor tenants at the beginning of the 2015 season.