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Hull KR sport and shops plan backed by councillors

Andrew SpenceLocal Democracy Reporting Service
News imageHull KR An artist impression of a modern sports and training complex featuring several large, angular buildings surrounded by car parking and trees. Multiple rugby pitches with tall floodlights are visible in the background. Hull KR
Hull Kingston Rovers hope to redevelop the area around their Craven Park stadium

Plans to redevelop the area around Hull Kingston Rovers' Craven Park stadium have been backed by the city's planning committee.

The club wants to build a sports village along with a retail park and more than 530 car parking spaces.

Speaking about the proposal, the club's chief executive Paul Lakin said it marked "a major milestone" in realising their "ambitious plans".

The application will be considered by Hull City Council's head of planning and, due to the size of the development, it will also be referred to the secretary of state for housing, communities and local government.

News imageHull KR An artist impression of a modern two‑storey building with large glass windows and dark cladding. Two people walk toward the entrance while another person sits inside on a red sofa. The building features the Hull KR crest on both sides of the entrance.Hull KR
News imageHull KR An artist impression of building with large windows and a flat roof covered in solar panels. The building sits beside green rugby training pitches marked with white lines and tall goalposts.Hull KR
The proposal includes a sports village and retail park
The plans include three full-size rugby pitches, one for the first team, one for the academy side and a third for community use

If approved, it is hoped work could start later in 2026, the club added.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, officials at Hull Kingston Rovers said the development plan is part of an ambition to become "the biggest rugby club in the northern hemisphere".

The development would include three full-size rugby pitches, one for the first team, one for the academy side and a third for community use, as well as indoor netball, basketball and padel courts.

Home Bargains and Aldi have also committed to being part of the development, the club said. Talks have also taken place with Costa Coffee.

"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," Lakin added.

"The club facilities in particular will set up our on-field teams with an elite training facility, fit 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 from around the UK and overseas."

A number of councillors also voiced their support for the development.

Garreth Byrne told the planning committee: "It's not only something for Hull KR, it's a gem of a thing for the city as a whole."

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