New plans to relocate the home of Newport FC to Seaclose Park have been put forward.
Isle of Wight councillor for Newport North, Matt Price, is seeking public feedback on the new proposal, which would see the football club return to the town rather than move to its approved new ground at the Racecourse.
He is now proposing a series of "recreational improvements" and "boundary adjustments" to the site.
Cllr Price hopes it will encourage greater community use, without adversely affecting the future of the Isle of Wight Festival.
He said:
“The area proposed for the new football ground sits to the south of the main space used for hosting the Festival, but I recognise it is used for providing backstage support.
"However, I believe this proposal can actually enhance and complement the festival site by providing additional hard-standing backstage hospitality and accommodation. The scheme has been worked up with the festival’s requirements in mind.
“I am keen to hear the views of residents, sports clubs and community organisations – and fellow elected members – before reaching a final view. In particular, it is important that any enhancements to Seaclose Park complement of all the existing uses of this wider area, given how much this recreational space is already enjoyed by many people locally.
"I do think that there is a real opportunity here to reinvigorate Seaclose as a recreational and sporting hub, along with a clubhouse that could also serve as a much-needed community centre for Fairlee."
As part of the plans, Cllr Price is proposing a major upgrade to Seaclose’s skatepark facility, to include new ramps and a pump track, with dips, bumps and jumps (instead of just ramps) for riders on any set of wheels to skate, cycle or roll around.
There would also be new removable sports equipment introduced and walking and cycling routes upgraded.
In the south-western corner of the park, he wants a new football ground with a grandstand, clubhouse, floodlights and the latest all-weather pitch for Newport FC, who are currently playing their matches at East Cowes Vics' stadium.
The Ports' former stadium, St George's Park, has been earmarked for a new retail park.
A developer already has permission for a new ground at the Racecourse at Whippingham, but Cllr Price believes the Seaclose alternative should be revisited.
Cllr Price's proposal would see the new ground owned by the Isle of Wight Council. Newport FC would pay a peppercorn rent (as anchor tenant), with a condition that other community uses – including women’s football, youth football and also sport for those with disabilities – should take place at the venue.
Speaking after a recent meeting of Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council – at which he mentioned the plans – Cllr Price said:
“Having seen off proposals to build 40 houses on land at Seaclose Park, it is right that we now look at how sports and recreational provision can be enhanced in this location. We have the opportunity to create both a top-class new home for Newport FC and also an excellent recreational facility for wider community use, along with a significantly improved skatepark (incorporating a pump track), similar to what has been put forward in Freshwater. It is well worth exploring, particularly as we need more outdoor facilities for people of all ages to enjoy.
“As local member, I can see that providing a new football ground in either location would work but the Seaclose alternative ensures that Newport FC remains in Newport, while also being much more accessible and offering greater immediate community benefits.
“The Seaclose option incorporates all the facilities included in the Racecourse plan – and more – so ultimately we have to decide which of these locations would be best.
“I am also keen to see the area defined as Seaclose Park expanded to incorporate (1) Medina Arboretum and (2) underutilised sports pitches at Medina College, along with areas of open space alongside these. This would reflect the wider public use of this area as a whole.”
The Seaclose alternative for Newport FC is already supported, in principle, by the Newport FC Supporters Trust.
Cllr Price says initial feedback from other elected members in the wider Newport & Carisbrooke parish area had also been positive.
Peter Westhorpe, Secretary of Newport FC Supporters’ Trust, added:
“A move to Whippingham would still give us a high-quality new ground, but I believe supporters would prefer this closer to the town centre if this could be delivered swiftly.
“Moving to Seaclose and bringing the club back into Newport would have its attractions for supporters and as such I welcome Cllr Price’s initiative.”
Tony Wake, chairman of Newport Football Club and director of South Coast Leisure, said:
“The Racecourse site is where we have planned to relocate the club and we expect to make a start on the build towards the end of the summer but, time permitting, I am happy to keep the Seaclose alternative on the table for now should the Council and the public agree it is better option."
To provide feedback Cllr Price's proposal, please visit https://tinyurl.com/
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