The Hornets kick off stadium transformation

A South Tyneside football club is set to begin an ambitious redevelopment programme after securing approval for plans designed to upgrade its facilities and strengthen its community role.

Hebburn Town FC has received planning approval from South Tyneside Council to move forward with a comprehensive masterplan to modernise its ground and expand its offering for players, supporters and local residents.

The club, known as The Hornets, previously secured a £2 million Government funding package to support the transformation, which marks the start of a new phase in its development.

Central to the plans is the replacement of the club’s main pitch with a new FIFA Pro-certified artificial surface alongside the installation of a second training pitch featuring state-of-the-art 3G technology and new floodlights.

The redevelopment will also see the construction of a new South Stand containing modern changing rooms, office space, a gym and a club shop. 

A multi-purpose function area is planned for conferences, educational activities and community use.

Meanwhile, existing buildings will be repurposed to host health and wellbeing initiatives such as fitness classes, toddler groups and social gatherings, while the Sportsy Bar will be expanded to increase matchday capacity and create a larger social space for supporters.

Additional improvements include new vehicle access, enhanced pedestrian routes and extra parking.

Planning approval was secured by Sean Hedley, managing director of North East planning specialist Hedley Planning, who said: “The transformative redevelopment of the club and fresh investment not only represents a significant milestone in the club’s sporting success and on-going growth, but also a socio-economic commitment to the people of Hebburn and the wider borough of South Tyneside.

“These fantastic plans pave the way to a new era of success for a club, which serves thousands of people in the local area and is woven into the fabric of the local community.

This proposal is a collaboration with the Football Foundation, who will be delivering the 3G training pitch on site.”

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