National League: Wealdstone granted site for new stadium
- Published
The Grosvenor Vale ground is 2.7 miles from the new site
Wealdstone have announced plans for a new 6,300 capacity stadium, which they hope will boost their English Football League "ambition".
The National League side have been allocated an 18-acre site in west London by Hillingdon Borough Council.
The Stone's current Grosvenor Vale home in Ruislip holds 4,000.
"[The stadium] will play an important role in safeguarding the future of the club and supporting its growth," said club chairman Rory Fitzgerald.
Wealdstone are currently 17th in the National League and have never reached the EFL.
The semi-professional club's plan for the new stadium "incorporates high-level operational guidance from FIFA and UEFA and utilises best practice precedents from stadiums around the UK and Europe".
The English Football League and a field of dreams
The Freezeland Way location is 2.7 miles from their existing home and adjacent to Hillingdon Underground Station.
No time frame has been given for the work to begin with the club still arranging funding for the project, which will in part come from the plan to build residential and commercial property on the site.
"The new stadium is fantastic news not only for our fans and players but the whole local community," Fitzgerald continued.
"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."
Wealdstone also hope their current home venue will remain part of the long-term plans and the club is in discussions with the Grosvenor Vale's landlords.