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Search the Public Notice PortalSTOURBRIDGE Football Club has issued an update on the situation with its historic ground amid the deterioration of the banks that surround it.
The iconic War Memorial Ground, which is also home to Stourbridge Cricket Club, is facing subsidence risks and it was revealed in March that the stands and floodlights that are closest to the crumbling banks will need to be demolished.
This week, the club announced a significant update with the works, as plans have been submitted to Dudley Council for the demolition of the unsafe stands and the construction of new ones, as well as associated minor alterations within the grounds.
In a design and access statement submitted to the local authority on November 27 on behalf of the club, it says: “Despite prolonged discussions with the landowner (Dudley Council) on potential works to the cutting/embankment, a mutually acceptable stabilisation scheme has not been agreed.
“The Club therefore proposes to demolish unsafe/compromised structures and re-site new stands in safe zones, whilst retaining usable standing areas that are unaffected.”
It continues: “The proposals deliver a safety-led renewal of spectator facilities, addressing known stability risks, whilst preserving the ground’s character and enhancing the supporter experience.
“The layout, scale and appearance are consistent with the existing stadium fabric, and access arrangements remain as established.
“Approval is sought to enable timely replacement of compromised structures and to safeguard the Club’s ongoing community use of the site.”
In a statement issued today (December 7), Andy Pountney, Andy Bullingham and the club’s Board of Directors said: “We explained at the end of the 24/25 season that it would be the last time you would see the War Memorial in its present guise.
“These were not empty words, as we genuinely believed that demolition works would begin before the start of the 25/26 season.
“It goes without saying that this has proven to be a very frustrating and long road.
“Are we at the end of it? Not really! However, as a board, we feel it is the right time to inform you where we are regarding the development of the War Memorial Ground.”
The club also released a series of CGI images giving supporters a look into what the future could hold for The War Memorial Ground.
They said the project would require an estimated £800,000 in funding, which will only be achievable with an extended lease on the ground, something the club is in discussion with Dudley Council over.
In order to see the plans, once approved, come to fruition, the club said it will need to raise “in the region of £50,000" itself.
The statement continues: “The club are likely to have to raise in the region of £50,000 towards this and more detail will follow on how we plan to achieve this in the coming weeks.
“We are in the process of re-negotiating a 50 Year lease to ensure Stourbridge FC has its future at the War Memorial Ground secured.
“The wording of the lease is complete and Dudley Council have issued Heads of Terms, however the subject of rent is yet to be agreed.
“It appears that the only way to agree this will be via independent valuation and arbitration.
“We hope to be able to bring you good news in the new year and that we will not be far away from putting a spade in the ground.
“In the meantime, the Board as a committee appointed by the members will continue to work tirelessly in the hope we can secure the prospects of Stourbridge Football Club for the near and distant future.”
More information on the plans can be viewed on Dudley Council’s planning portal.
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