Wakefield stadium talks halted

Drew Darbyshire

Plans to redevelop the Beaumont League Stadium have been stalled after talks broke down between Wakefield Trinity and Wakefield Council.

The council announced a deal last month that would see Trinity play the season at the Beaumont Legal Stadium before building work redevelops the ground.

Club owners Michael Carter and Chris Brereton had confirmed their agreement to the deal in principle.

However, according to a statement released by Wakefield Council, the agreement has been halted due to rent and control of income over the redeveloped ground.

The statement read: “Wakefield Council announced last month that it would take out a lease on the Belle Vue site to speed up the delivery of the new project, an offer which still stands.

“However, the club’s owners have now rejected these plans and instead suggested that the stadium be built at no cost to them, while retaining sole control over its income and operations.”

And the Wakefield club have responded to the Council’s statement.

Trinity’s short statement read: “Wakefield Trinity are aware of today’s press release from Wakefield Council.

“The club’s owners will be taking legal advice before making any further comment.”

This is just the latest breakdown in talks over plans for a community stadium which would tick all of the boxes for Super League criteria for Trinity.