Wakefield Trinity are delighted to announce that they have acquired the freehold of their stadium and adjoining land. The acquisition marks the first stage in the redevelopment of Belle Vue which has been the Club’s home for nearly 150 years.
Announcing the purchase at Belle Vue, Wakefield Trinity Chairman, John Minards, said:
“This is an historic day for our great club. We are the owners of our stadium once again, having first purchased it in 1893. In completing this purchase, we are grateful for the support of Wakefield Council, without whom it would not have been possible, as well as our former landlord, 88m Group.
While it is great news to be owners of our own ground, this is only very much the first stage of our redevelopment plans and we continue to be in active discussions with a number of parties as we progress towards our ambitions for a world class Community Stadium fit for the 21st century”
This is a club with great traditions and high ambitions. Since joining the board in November I have been working with our Chief Executive, Michael Carter, to explore how we develop our stadium to match the quality of the team we put on the field following our two consecutive top 5 Super League finishes in the last two years, while maintaining the financial stability that the management team have brought about since 2014.”
Commenting on behalf of Wakefield Council, Denise Jeffrey, Deputy Leader, said:
“The City of Wakefield is famous across the world because of Wakefield Trinity and we are delighted to have played a part in ensuring that the City’s only professional sports club is staying at its traditional home. We look forward to continue to work closely with the club as it develops the stadium.”
Manni Hussain, Chairman of 88m Group said,
“We are delighted to have been able to reach this historic agreement with Wakefield Trinity & Wakefield Council. We have been working closely with both parties for some time, and now we are pleased that after so much uncertainty regarding the club’s future this deal has secured it. Let’s all look forward for this great club to prosper and wish them well for the seasons ahead.”
The vendors have been advised by Richard Outhwaite and Alistair Wade of Shoosmiths LLP and Jeremy Garside of Williams & Co advised the Club.
Wakefield Trinity Rugby League Football Club was founded in 1873 and has played in Belle Vue since the late 1870s. They were founder members of the Northern Rugby Football League (later the Rugby League) and thus the Belle Vue site is amongst the oldest Rugby League grounds in the world.
The club would like to thank Lockyers Insurance for their assistance in concluding this deal.