There has been a signing of an agreement between Warwick District Council and Warwickshire County Council to purchase land off Europa Way to make way for the development of a sports and community hub.

The plans which have been developed by Leamington FC and the District Council, could see the construction of a 5000 capacity football stadium with a 3G artificial pitch, conference facilities, gym, café and community facilities on land adjacent to Europa Way and Gallows Hill. It is also highly likely that the scheme will include facilities for the local health services.  The proposals will provide a much needed new home and asset for Leamington FC located nearer to both Warwick and Leamington town centres and public transport routes.

As well as the stadium Warwick District Council is leading on two schemes on the site to provide more affordable housing. The first is in partnership with Waterloo Housing/Galliford Try Partnership to develop 375 new homes 150 (40%) of which will be offered as affordable and the second is a development of 50 affordable homes off Europa Way. Overall, the project would also bring a new primary school, community hall and medical centre as well as improvements to the road network and cycle links.

Leamington FC’s Chairman, Jim Scott said:

“Leamington FC very much welcomes this key milestone in our ambitions to create a new home for our club. A new stadium with improved access and facilities will help us fulfil our aspirations to move into higher leagues. It will also allow us to develop and expand our presence in the community through our programme of football related activities. This will give more people the opportunity to get involved, be it as a player, spectator or user of the facilities.”

The Leader of Warwick District Council, Cllr Andrew Mobbs commented:

“I’m very pleased that after many years of planning it looks like this exciting project could become a reality. A new stadium and sports hub for our area has the potential to be a new focal point for the community with huge benefits for the health, fitness and well-being of our residents.”

Anthony Riley, Group Director of Development and Operations at Waterloo Housing, commented, “Our priority is to provide affordable homes and working in partnership with Warwick District Council will accelerate the delivery of these. We are really pleased to be working with the Council and Galliford Try Partnerships on this scheme which should complete in the next few years.” 

Councillor Jeff Clarke, Warwickshire County Council portfolio holder for Transport and Planning, said: This stadium will be a fantastic asset for Warwickshire residents and we are pleased to support its development. This year is the Year of Wellbeing in Coventry and Warwickshire, and initiatives like this offer fantastic opportunities for people to improve their health and wellbeing by getting more active. "In order to help ease congestion and reduce air pollution in this key area we are underway with developing a robust transport infrastructure to benefit local residents, businesses and road users. In line with this we are also undertaking work to improve cycle links throughout Warwickshire, providing sustainable travel links throughout the county."

Councillor Peter Phillips Warwick District Council’s portfolio holder for Housing and Property Services added;

“We want Warwick District to be a great place to live, work and visit. This very exciting proposal has not only allowed us to create much needed affordable housing, but will also bring great benefits to the community.”