Hull KR unveils 'once in a generation' campus plan

A Super League club is driving forward plans for a transformative sports campus, blending community and commercial elements to secure on-field success and off-field sustainability.

Hull Kingston Rovers has received positive feedback for its proposed development, which includes retail outlets, small business units, green spaces and community facilities. 

Heads of terms have already been agreed with two national retailers, promising to generate over 100 jobs and additional revenue to support the club’s ambitions.

Led by chairman Dr. Paul Sewell OBE, who was appointed in December 2022 and whose company secured naming rights of Rovers’ stadium, now known as Sewell Group Craven Park, the club has assembled a powerhouse board of business leaders, including David Kilburn of MKM Building Supplies, James McNicol of Oil Brokerage Ltd and Becky Oughtibridge of Sewell Group, to help steer the club’s progress.

Paul said: “The vision is a sports campus. 

“It will be the cornerstone of our plans for the future and will build on the potential of other projects which we have already delivered and which are creating a legacy for the community.

“We will be going for planning permission in the spring and we are encouraged by the response to the pre-application process. 

“We aim to have spades in the ground within a few months of permission being granted.”

On the field, the team reached last season’s Super League Grand Final, losing to Wigan Warriors 9-2, as well as climbing the IMG rankings to fifth place. 

Off the field, new investments have delivered a 3G community pitch and an expanded east stand, alongside plans for a state-of-the-art business academy for East Yorkshire entrepreneurs.

The masterplan also aims to host additional sports activities, with support from Sport England, leveraging 15 acres of land the club holds an option to purchase from Hull City Council. 

With 9,000 memberships sold and two Coldplay concerts confirmed for August 2025 at Sewell Group Craven Park, Hull Kingston Rovers is shaping a brighter future for its fans and the local community alike.

Paul added: “Everything we are doing is about creating sustainability going forward. You can only spend so much on the team so what we are also doing is investing in the culture and values.

“This is a hugely exciting project and a once in a generation opportunity that is vitally important for the area, local community and for the club.”

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