DEWSBURY RAMS chairman Mark Sawyer says it’s business as usual for his club as work to prepare for joint use of the newly-named Autex Acoustics Arena (formerly FLAIR Stadium) continues.
The ground is now under the control of Super League neighbours Huddersfield, who have begun a £10 million-plus upgrade of the 32-year-old venue where they will play home matches from next season after leaving the Accu Stadium.
The Rams have long-term security at the ground, where a programme of work including alterations to the pitch, improved floodlighting, refurbishment of the existing stands and new hospitality suites, dressing rooms and press facilities is under way.
In the longer term, the Giants plan to raise the capacity from around 5,000 to 8,000-plus by building a new stand at the currently-unused end of the venue.
Some Dewsbury supporters have voiced concerns that the stadium will be predominantly claret and gold and that the Rams’ red, amber and black colours will become washed out.
But Sawyer, whose boardroom involvement goes back 25 years, explained: “That won’t be the case.
“There will be dual branding at the stadium as part of the agreement which was reached after extensive talks, and there will be no doubt about our presence alongside that of Huddersfield, with whom we have an excellent relationship.
“While there is a lot going on at the ground, we have temporary facilities on site so we can operate as normal before moving back in when the initial work is finished.
“We will also be able to train on the adjacent all-weather facilities just as we normally do, so there will be no disruption to our pre-season plans.”
Huddersfield will continue to use their own training ground at Laund Hill in the town, which has also been upgraded.
