DEMOLITION is set to start on Warrington’s Wilderspool Stadium – the former home of Warrington RLFC – following the appointment of a contractor by site owners Wire Regeneration.
Formed in March 2014 as a joint venture between property company and regeneration specialist Langtree and Warrington Borough Council to drive forward regeneration and development activity principally in the town’s southern gateway – work is set to start on the demolition with immediate effect.
Buckingham Group Contracting Limited from Stowe has been appointed to demolish the stadium which was vacated by Warrington Wolves following its move to the Halliwell Jones stadium. The final competitive game at Wilderspool was a 52-12 win over Wakefield which took place in September 2003.
Since 2003, the stadium has hosted the Wolves’ junior and academy matches. The final match at Wilderspool came in May this year in front of a sell out crowd. Following this game all materials of cultural and historic value have been removed in preparation for demolition.
Langtree Chief Executive John Downes said: “The appointment of demolition contractors is a significant step in allowing us to push forward and deliver the masterplan for the southern gateway.
“This area of the town has an enormous potential to become a new centre of employment and retail, along with new residential areas. Just as the Wolves have gone on to write new chapters in their history in the Halliwell Jones stadium, we are working to give this part of Warrington a new lease of life.”
Councillor Terry O’Neill, (pictured right) Leader of Warrington Borough Council said: “I’m a lifelong Wolves fan and I’ve seen some great games at the Wilderspool stadium, however, it is fair to say that Wolves are flourishing at the Halliwell Jones with the fantastic facilities that the stadium provides and which the modern game requires. It will be sad to see the old stadium demolished but times move on and I’m excited at the potential that the site offers in the redevelopment of the southern gateway area.”
The first stages of the demolition works are expected to begin immediately and complete in October this year.
Top picture shows Wire legend Brian Bevan at a packed Wilderspool.
The sell out crowd at Wilderspool’s final game earlier this year.
