The approval of the proposed Hockey Stadium has been welcomed by the chairman of Worcester City Football Club. Steve Goode commented ‘It is great to see the Council being so supportive of a new sports facility for the City. Whilst there has been some criticism I welcome the new scheme which adds another sporting activity to the emerging sports village at Perdiswell.”

Last night Councillors approved the lease of greenbelt land off Droitwich Road to Worcester Hockey Club and Worcester Royal Grammar School for a new state of the art Hockey Centre and associated facilities. The report to The Policy and Resources Committee acknowledged that the Council will forgo the opportunity to sell the site which has a book value of £135,000 instead transferring the land on a 30 year lease at a peppercorn rent, normally £1 per year. In addition, following completion of the development the City Council will then re-finance the expected build costs of £2.5m granting a 30 year loan to the Joint Venture Company.

‘I attended the meeting and whilst it is a real shame that a full sized football pitch and a junior pitch will be lost as a result of the development, the report to the Policy and Resources Committee reinforces the Council’s commitment to a Football Hub at Perdiswell, where the Football Club are well placed to deliver a new community facility and 3G pitch.’ said Steve

Worcester City FC and Worcester City FC Supporters Trust gained planning permission on appeal in September 2018 to build a Community Ground on land owned by the City Council next to the new Swimming Pool on Bilford Road.

He added ‘Discussions are on-going with Council members regarding the Perdiswell scheme and we would welcome a similar level of support for the football facility as they are offering the Hockey Joint Venture. After all football is our national sport’

Worcester City FC have been playing its home games at Kidderminster Harriers and Bromsgrove Sporting since the sale of its former home at St Georges Lane in 2013. A recent change in constitution means that the Football Club is now majority owned by its supporters represented by The Supporters Trust which is a community benefit society.

The Worcester News has published an article regarding this press release. Read it by clicking here.