New setback hits plans for community stadium

NO DEAL has been reached on plans for a community stadium and new home for Wakefield Trinity after an agreement offered by the developer was rejected.

A new setback has hit the Newmarket Lane scheme as Trinity face a July 31 deadline to confirm stadium plans for next year with the Rugby League. Years of complications have blighted the scheme, but hopes were raised last week when Wakefield Council said a written assurance was expected from developer Yorkcourt.

It would have paved the way for a new deal between the council, club, Yorkcourt and community trusts set up to get the £10m stadium built. Now the plan is in tatters and the developer is facing accusations of failing to provide enough information in its “heads of terms” agreement.

Wakefield Council said it would now work with “other parties” to get the stadium built. Council leader Peter Box, inset, said: “I believe we are left with no alternative than to call on Yorkcourt to walk away from Wakefield and the Newmarket scheme and stop letting our residents down.” Andy Wallhead, the council’s corporate director for regeneration, said Yorkcourt’s agreement did not say how the stadium would be financed or give a timescale for it being built. In response Yorkcourt said the agreement had been revised to take on board the council’s comments before being submitted. Managing director Colin Mackie said: “Our comprehensive proposals, which identify a clear route to achieve the desired goal, were delivered to the council offices on Monday, to which we have yet to receive a response.” The Rugby Football League allowed Trinity to play at Belle Vue this season provided plans were drawn up for a new stadium.