At a meeting with the owners of Wakefield Trinity, Cllr Peter Box put forward plans to build a new community stadium at Belle Vue.

The plans include a retail, residential and entertainment development and have been drawn up by the council, Yorkcourt Properties and the 88m Group, who are the owners of the Belle Vue Ground.

Wakefield Trinity’s Michael Carter and Chris Brereton have agreed the proposal in principle and have confirmed that the club will remain at Belle Vue for the 2018 season, subject to the details being finalised.

The plans will allow the stalled community stadium project to move forward, and to speed up the delivery, Wakefield Council has said it is willing to take out a lease on the site.

This could mean – that once full agreement is reached and subject to planning approval – work could start on the site in September 2018, with the stadium being ready for the start of the 2020 Super League season.

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“Today we have shared a bold proposal that has the potential to deliver a new future for rugby league and community sport in this district,” said Cllr Box.  

“If we all work together, Wakefield Trinity fans can have a ground to be proud of.”

The plans will allow Wakefield Trinity to remain in the city and Cllr Box added: “We have been working very hard to bring this new option to the table and believe it offers the club, fans and Wakefield residents a viable plan for a new home ground for Wakefield Trinity and a new stadium for the community. 

“I am also pleased to say that Yorkcourt has made a significant step forward by putting together ‘heads of terms’ that will help fund the delivery of a community stadium.

“We have moved on from where we were in July and are working positively together for the good of Wakefield. 

“The future of the new Belle Vue proposal now rests with the club and a trust who need to produce a robust business plan that clearly demonstrates how they will generate income to meet the running costs and commercial rent.”

Michael added that he and Chris were happy that they had agreed in principle a future ground for Wakefield Trinity.

“We are yet to agree all the minute details and have agreed with all parties that this will be finalised by 31^st October.

“If this proves to be satisfactory, then the club will stay at Belle Vue for 2018 and be in a new stadium as soon as possible. 

“All parties involved have worked extremely hard to get to this point and hopefully we will see a brand new ground at Belle Vue in the near future.” 

Picture attributed to Wakefield Council and SDA Architects