03/04/2008

Mayor Welcomes Shared Stadium

As controversy continues to plague the proposed development of as multi-sports centre at the former Maze Prison site, ambitious plans are being kicked off for a sporting ground in Newtownabbey.

The 4,000-seater ground is to be the centrepiece of a groundbreaking, cross-community proposal from both Crusaders FC and the amateur league side, Newington YC.

The Carnegie Premier League team have just re-opened talks with Newtownabbey Council over moving its grounds from north Belfast's Shore Road to a proposed new stadium at the Valley Leisure Centre.

Speaking to 4ni, Newtownabbey Mayor, Nigel Hamilton has said he is supporting the development.

"This proposal for a shared facility is very welcome and although it is early days - and there's a considerable amount of work still to be done on the concept - it will enhance the Borough as a whole and the Valley Park area specifically."

He also said that funding, through the EC, is still being sought and noted that team officials have requested a chance to address local councillors on their 'concept plan' to ground-share with amateur league side Newington YC at the new stadium.

They have already met with leading Borough figures to discuss the plans that also include a soccer dome and a sports residential village.

The idea of a move to a new stadium was brought to a Crusaders Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) in March, attended by around 100 people.

At the EGM there was unanimous backing for proposals to sell its current north Belfast ground at Seaview, to begin work on a new stadium with Newington YC and to review the governance of the club with a view to setting up a separate stadium company.

Since the early 1920s, Crusaders have played at Seaview on the Shore Road. It is believed a number of developers are interested in buying their ground.

The proposal is said to be cross community in nature, with this element playing an important part in enhancing the management of valuable public space.

(BMcC)


Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

28 July 2021
New Casement Park Stadium Proposal Approved
Final planning permission has been approved for a new stadium at Casement Park in Belfast. Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA granted final planning approval. As a result the Ulster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) will be able to build a new 34,578 capacity stadium on its existing site on the Andersonstown Road.
13 July 2021
Irish Rugby Announce Autumn Internationals
Ireland are set to face New Zealand in Dublin as part of a series of Autumn Internationals. The team will play Japan, New Zealand and Argentina during their busy autumn schedule at the Aviva Stadium. The Japan tie will kick off the fixtures on Saturday 06 November, followed by New Zealand on Saturday 13 and Argentina on Sunday 21.
30 January 2006
IRFU backs Maze stadium proposal
NIO Sports Minister David Hanson has welcomed the decision of the Irish Rugby Football Union and the Ulster Branch to commit in principle to the multi-sports stadium at the Maze site close to Lisburn City. The Minister said: "Rugby’s decision to commit in principle to the stadium is excellent news.
08 April 2009
Maze Stadium Plan Officially 'Dead'
The Maze Stadium plan is officially cancelled. The Stormont Executive's First Minister and Deputy First Minister today announced that the mooted MLK Masterplan won't now proceed in its original proposed form.
22 January 2009
Minister Allays Maze Confusion Over Ravenhill Upgrade
Government officials have denied suggestions that an upgrade at Belfast's Ravenhill sports ground has signalled the death knell for a national stadium at the Maze. The home of Northern Ireland rugby is set to undergo a £5m redevelopment, which is expected to boost the ground's capacity by around 11,500.