 Rugby has been played at Rodney Parade for over a century |
Newport Gwent Dragons plan to build a new 15,000-capacity ground on the site of their run-down Rodney Parade home. The �40m development includes a new clubhouse and training facilities and has the backing of Newport City Council and the Welsh Rugby Union.
The proposals also include residential, retail, student and hotel developments on the existing Rodney Parade site, but will be subject to planning permission.
If approved, it is planned to be ready for the start of the 2010/11 season.
 | This development will allow us to attract top players Dragons chairman Martyn Hazell |
Work is expected to begin in 2009 and last for 18 months, finishing before the city hosts the Ryder Cup in October 2010.
Both the Dragons and Newport RFC will have to play away from Rodney Parade during that time, with venues around the region and the city's football ground being considered.
"This is fantastic news for the Dragons and Newport RFC and for all rugby fans in Gwent," said the region's chairman Martyn Hazell.
| 606: DEBATE |
"The famous Rodney Parade ground is going to be transformed into a state-of-the-art stadium with top-class facilities for the players, fans and the greater community.
"This development and management alongside continued strong financial procedures will allow us to attract top players and, more importantly, give the academy players somewhere to aspire to play in and be proud to be a part of.
"The announcement is the next exciting chapter in the life of Rodney Parade, a story that started over 130 years ago as a gift from Lord Tredegar."
| The WRU are discussing a five-year plan of support for the Dragons |
Welsh Rugby Union group chief executive Roger Lewis added: "This will drive the game forward with vigour.
"I have been closely involved in discussions related to the development plans so I know a lot of people have been working extremely hard to ensure this new stadium is built.
"The WRU are discussing a five-year plan of support for the Dragons."
The development is separate from the plans for a new stadium that were part of a proposed takeover of the Welsh regional side, which collapsed last month after a falling out between the Dragons board and the unidentified consortium.
The interested parties had wanted access to the accounts of the regional side, but Dragons commercial director Gethin Jenkins said the consortium has not yet tabled an acceptable offer that would allow negotiations to advance to that stage.
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