HULL KR’s redevelopment proposals for the land surrounding Sewell Group Craven Park have passed the first hurdle with the local council.
On Wednesday, Hull City Council’s planning committee approved the project, which includes both new facilities for the Super League club and a retail park.
Plans provide for three new training pitches – one for Hull KR’s first team, one for their academy and another designated for community use – additional outdoor sporting facilities, and the refurbishment of the Waudby leisure centre on the site.
The development also includes plans to work with a national operator to introduce a padel facility in East Hull.
The retail side of the development will see Aldi and Home Bargains each deliver stores on the site while Hull KR are also in talks with Costa Coffee.
Rovers’ chief executive Paul Lakin said: “We are delighted to hit this major milestone in the project.
”This allows us to press ahead with our ambitious plans, and apply for pots of funding to complete the development of the community side of this project.
“The club has achieved so much on and off the field in recent years, but changing the heart of East Hull for the better, forever, will certainly be one of the prouder moments for us all.
“The club facilities in particular will set up our on-field teams with an elite training facility, fit for purpose for a world-class sporting environment.
“This will allow us to not only to further develop our own talent, but continue to attract the best of the rest for around the UK and overseas.
“It is a significant part of the jigsaw to ensure we create a legacy from everything happening around our great club at the moment.”
The application will next be considered by Hull City Council’s head of planning and referred to the secretary of state for housing, communities and local government.
Subject to approval, Hull KR anticipate that work on the site will begin later this year.