Wealdstone to leave current stadium and move into new one nearby Hillingdon Tube Station

Wealdstone reveal that they are to leave the current Grosvenor Vale stadium and move into new one nearby Hillingdon Tube Station.

The National League outfit outline plans for a new 6,300 capacity stadium, with potential to expand further following a decision by Hillingdon Council.

The plans sees the club move to a proposed an 18-acre site at Freezeland Way, which is adjacent to the former Master Brewer Hotel in Uxbridge, Hillingdon.

The ground, which will be a four minute walk from the Underground Station, and 20 minutes by tube train and 12 minutes by car (4 miles from their current home).

Hillingdon Council have allocated an 18-acre site to Wealdstone FC to enable the club to build a new stadium in the borough.

Full statement: https://t.co/841XnP3ZWD

— Wealdstone FC (@WealdstoneFC) November 9, 2023

CLUB STATEMENT:

Wealdstone Football Club has announced outline plans for a new 6,300 capacity stadium, with potential to expand further following the decision by Hillingdon Borough Council to allocate the National League club an 18-acre site at Freezeland Way, adjacent to the former Master Brewer Hotel in Hillingdon.

The initial concept plan for the stadium incorporates high-level operational guidance from FIFA and UEFA and utilises best practice precedents from stadiums around the UK and Europe. In doing so it will offer an outstanding experience for fans, players and all those associated with the club. It will also incorporate all the complementary facilities expected from carefully designed and modern stadium. These will include administrative offices, training, retail, catering, media, hospitality and leisure facilities together with parking for those unable to travel to the ground by public transport.

The site has been selected with the needs of the club’s loyal fans front of mind. Situated only 2.7 miles from the Stones current home, The Vale in Ruislip, the stadium will have easy access to the A40 and M25 while its location adjacent to Hillingdon Underground Station will mean fans can travel to and from central London in just 35 minutes.

Wealdstone FC has always recognised and valued its role in the local community and is committed to ensuring that this new stadium, and the associated development, will provide a real community HUB. As such, the club will be looking to incorporate a range of facilities which we hope will include, a community hall, café, communal garden, play area and outside gym.

Commenting on the plans Wealdstone’s Chairman, Rory Fitzgerald, said: “Hillingdon Borough Council’s decision to allocate the club this land follows a long period of discussion and negotiation and will play an important role in safeguarding the future of the club and supporting its growth. On behalf of the Board, I would like to personally thank Hillingdon Borough Council for their support and we look forward to working closely with them as we take the project forward.

The new stadium is fantastic news not only for our fans and players but the whole local community. As we progress, we will ensure that we optimise the benefits for local residents while also working to minimise and mitigate any potential environmental impacts associated with a construction project of this size.

In addition, we are confident that the security and growth potential offered by the new stadium will help us attract the investment we need to realise our ambition of one day playing in the EFL.”

The Board is currently involved in a number of preliminary discussions regarding funding and remain open to approaches from those considering investment in what is set to be an exciting period of growth for the club. Funding for the construction of the stadium is also expected to be generated through the development of new residential units and associated commercial floorspace on an area of the site allocated by Hillingdon Borough Council. These modern and much needed properties will benefit from the same outstanding location and transport links associated with the new stadium.

The club is actively working with its partners to establish a feasible timeline in which to be playing in the new stadium. Separately the Board is continuing its discussions with the landlords of The Vale which remains firmly in the club’s plans as a facility to support its ambition to progress into the English Football League (EFL).

Concept drawing from the Feasibility Study, not the final design or plan

The decision by Wealdstone to leave their current stadium and move into new one nearby Hillingdon Tube Station has been met with praise…

@LeoWerin: Biggest news the club has had in years.

@TrueBlueStone: Absolutely Brilliant News. Club is progressing. Up the Stones!

@GossanPhil: Great news!! The club needs a proper stadium with own car park and facilities in the ground, well done Hillingdon Council and Wealdstone FC for sorting it out!!

@nmengland: Fantastic news. Very exciting project giving our great club a chance to grow in a permanent home! Just hope the funding requirements are achievable as we’ve all been here before.

@biig_jordo: Great news for the club this 👏🏼

@p_franklin5: I have had a proper hard week and this has cheered me up no end! Thank you so much to all involved to help secure the future look a whole lot better for the most brilliant of football clubs UTS

@Tommy_Cockles: Well that’s just about the best news in a very very long time! 💙

@Mike_Rusty: Wow very excited

@riobeare: Holy shit we’re back 😍

@jh_wfc: absolutely massive news!

@GrimStones: Be still my beating heart. A long haul ahead mind you

@JoeFerris99: @BarnetFC announce stadium purchase

@peterBr53715552: Brilliant. A local council actually supporting the local club. Unheard of in Buckinghamshire!

@lizdrumm: Great news 💙

@CWoodsy14: Huge! A massive well done to everyone involved! 👏

@TomHyland4: Massive development for the future of Wealdstone. Well done to all those people who worked so hard over the years to keep the club going

@tomhwilliams23: Brilliant news for Wealdstone 👏 I was at Grosvenor Vale on Tuesday, and it’s a ground with so much character. But it’s also a ground with limited resources comparative to the level. This move is a step in the right direction – a club on the up 🙌

@OffTheLineBlog: Brilliant news. A family-friendly club with a young manager, working within their means, with a strong supporter base + an ownership / board that cares deeply for the football club. #WealdstoneFC should be so proud of what they’ve built.

@howiejk: Feeling a little emotional right now. Fabulous news. All credit to Rory & the Board. I remember spending hours with Hillingdon Council in my time. Always found them good partners looking for positive solutions & make things happen. So pleased we’ve reached this milestone #coys