AMBITIOUS plans have been submitted to build a new home for Widnes FC as well as bring a derelict former sports and social club back to life.
An application has been submitted to Halton Council’s planning department for the new facilities at the King George V playing fields off Dundalk Road. The project would also see the dilapidated former Halton Corporation Recreation Club renovated, extended and brought back into use.
The existing two football pitches would be retained and new stands for supporters, flood lighting, ticket office and turnstiles would be constructed. The stands would accommodate 300 seated and 150 standing supporters.
Originally founded in 2003 as The Dragons AFC, Widnes FC currently play in the Northern Premier League and play their homes games at the Widnes Vikings’ home ground the DCBL stadium, but have long been looking for a home of their own.
The proposals for the 75,541sq m site also include a lift to the clubhouse and a ramp for disabled access. There would also be a total of 85 car parking spaces, 45 of which would be new, with a basketball court and bowling greens making way for some of the new parking spaces.
The existing clubhouse closed several years ago and had been a major sporting and social hub in the borough for many years, but it has since fallen into disrepair.
A design and access statement submitted in support of the plans, said: “The proposed scheme looks to utilise the area by renovating the clubhouse with an extension, provide stands and more car parking spaces for spectators, secure the football pitches with fences and turnstile, create an alternative public rights of way to allow more secured football pitches."
The renovated ground floor would include changing facilities for home and away teams and match officials, a club shop, showers, office and laundry.
The first floor would have snooker room, social room, kitchen, bar, a room for visiting directors and a viewing balcony for watching matches.
The pitches are currently used by a number of adult and youth football and rugby clubs from across the borough.
The club’s chairman Ian Ross told the World: “The club are really excited with the project, it’s been a long drawn out process but this is an important milestone.
"We are a rapidly growing community club with over 600 junior members now from a standing start and the development at the corpy club will not only enhance the first team experience for fans and players, but also give the youth teams a place they can call home.
“The club shareholders are investing significant funds to bring back to life and enhance a great but decaying facility, one the town can be proud of.”
The plans can be viewed on the councl planning website under the reference: 23/00008/FUL
No date has yet been set for a decision.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here