Council to explore options for Edgar Street refurbishment

Hereford FC have pushed back the possibility of relocating its historic football ground.

Specialist consultants commissioned to look at refurbishment options for Edgar Street had estimated the cost of moving the stadium to a greenfield site to be around £10m.

But Herefordshire Council’s growth programme director Richard Gabb said the Bulls currently have no intention to relocate the stadium.

“Consultations with Hereford FC confirmed that there is no appetite, at this stage, for considering the relocation of the stadium and the improvement of the ground would represent a positive contribution to the gathering pace of regeneration taking place in this area of the city,” he said.

Mr Gabb said the council’s strategy identifies the potential for small scale shops and accommodation to be provided alongside improved club facilities.

He also said it would make the stadium a focal point at the heart of the city of which the club, its supporters and the city can be proud of.

The preliminary assessment report commissioned by the council identified a £15m four-phased redevelopment of the entire ground which included the need to improve the Blackfriars stand.

Council chiefs have now included the redevelopment of the Edgar Street stadium, which is owned by Herefordshire Council but leased to Hereford FC, in their regeneration programme.

And they have given the go-ahead to spend up to £120,000 to explore the options of redeveloping the stands at the Blackfriars and West stand.

Mr Gabb said: “Taking into account the views of the club and the results of the initial assessment work, the redevelopment of the Blackfriars stand has been identified as a priority.

“This priority is based upon the stands’ current condition, potential options for development which may support the business case and its prominent location opposite the Old Market.

“The West stand has also been identified in need of improvement to ensure the ground is suitable for the future needs of the club and to improve the visual appearance of this significant structure at its frontage with Edgar Street.

“The project will contribute directly to the invest Herefordshire objective to make Hereforshire a great place to live by working with Hereford Football Club to refurbish the Edgar Street ground to provide a range of ancillary uses and improve the facilities available to the club and supporters.”

Contracts cabinet member Harry Bramer said: “We are excited to be in discussion with Hereford Football Club about investment in the Edgar Street stadium, which was identified as a key opportunity for redevelopment as part of plans for regenerating central Hereford.

“This is in the very early stages. As part of the first phase of improvement we are carrying out a preliminary appraisal of the development options for the Blackfriars Stand and West Stand.”