New stand to increase rugby league ground capacity

A replacement stand is to be built to increase capacity at Wakefield Trinity's rugby league stadium to more than 11,000 people.

Planning officers have given the go-ahead to plans to extend the North Stand at the Super League club's ground at Belle Vue.

The upgrade includes extending terracing and demolishing the roof to install a replacement structure.

The scheme, submitted by Spirit of 1873 Ltd, also includes demolishing a number of buildings next to the stand and building a new sales kiosk.

A planning statement submitted on behalf of the applicant said the development would more than double the capacity of the stand to 3,500 and raise the overall ground capacity to 11,484.

A total of 190 members of the public made comments to Wakefield Council in support of the scheme and no objections were made.

Those in favour of development said it was a "positive for the city" and would bring economic benefits.

Others welcomed more improvements to the ground, which has been the club's home since 1895, and said it would help to regenerate the Doncaster Road area.

A planning statement submitted on behalf of the applicant said: "All sport, in this case at the elite level, has a significant role in retaining a sense of place and identity", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

"Wakefield Trinity has been an incredibly important part of the community and its history.

"The proposed development deepens that sense of place and identity further.

"Clearly the proposal will enable the professional aspects of the club to continue at the highest level and to be competitive there."

The document said the development had the potential to generate up to £1m a year in extra match day income for the club.

It added: "The scheme would play a role in safeguarding existing employment associated with the club as well as create new employment opportunities as a result of the enhanced club and community facilities.

"The proposed development would also contribute towards economic output and boast health benefits for the local community."

A Wakefield Council officer's report said the scheme complied with local and national planning policies.

It will be the third significant stadium upgrade at Belle Vue in recent years.

A major redevelopment of the East Stand included it being demolished and replaced to boost capacity from 7,258 to 8,866 spectators.

The work was completed after the council agreed to invest £8.8m to allow Trinity to redevelop the ground.

In June last year, a revamp of the West Stand was approved by the local authority, which included building a new roof.

Improvements also featured a new standing section within the South Stand and a TV gantry and studio.

Trinity returned to Super League in 2025 after being awarded Grade A status as part of a restructure of the sport.

The club was one of nine, along with St Helens, Wigan, Leeds, Warrington, Hull KR, Catalans, Leigh and Castleford to receive the top grading.

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