Club Statement: Club plans new stadium

Wealdstone Football Club has announced outline plans - subject to planning - for a new 6,300 capacity stadium, with potential to expand further following the decision by London Borough of Hillingdon 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: “London Borough of Hillingdon'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 London Borough of Hillingdon for their support and we look forward to working closely with them as we take the project forward, subject to planning.

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 London Borough of Hillingdon. 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).