PLANS to redevelop a rugby stadium to create better seating and community facilities have been re-designed for a second time.
The charity arm of the Keighley Cougars has submitted an application to fully redevelop The Danny Jones Stand at the club’s Cougar Park grounds.
The existing 500-seater stand, which dates back to 1937, would be modernised under the new plans.
The proposals also include a two-storey extension – creating 1,065 sqm of floor space, which would see new men and women’s changing rooms, a heritage room and new facilities that could be used by the wider community, including a gym.
It is the third iteration of a planned redevelopment of the grounds in the past two years.
Last year, the club was granted planning permission to demolish the stand and build a new 2,000 seat stand, along with community facilities.
The work would be partially funded through the Keighley Towns Fund, a pot of cash awarded by Government for the regeneration of Keighley.
The club hoped the improved facilities at its Hard Ings Road home would help with its goals of ascending to the Super League.
But the club was subsequently relegated from the Betfred Championship. A new application was submitted for a smaller grandstand than was initially approved, with the club saying the change was due to “reduced likelihood of promotion to the Super League.”
Now the club has revealed it plans to keep the existing stand – but give it a much needed modern makeover.
The plans still include community facilities at the back of the stand.
Steve Watkinson, Chief Operating Officer of the Keighley Cougars said: “These plans include a major refurbishment of The Danny Jones Stand, which would retain its title, and bring our facilities up-to-date. We’re also proposing an extension which will not only house new changing rooms but a heritage room to showcase memorabilia and celebrate the club’s rich history.
“It’s so important to us that the space also provides for community involvement – we are nothing as a club without support – so it’s crucial that we can involve local people. Our community rooms, which will include a gym and health suite, will give everyone the opportunity to be part of the Cougars community here.
“We’ve explored various options in terms of potential redevelopment, and we are all very excited to have finalised these plans. They are the right balance of respecting where we’ve come from, while making a significant investment in the club’s long-term future and continued success.”
The plans will be part-financed by £2.25m from the Towns Fund.
Bradford Council’s Executive for Regeneration, Transport and Planning Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw added: “This is a significant moment for the club, and is a significant investment in its future. We are pleased to be able to support the redevelopment at Cougar Park because it’s so important for the Cougars to have modern, comfortable facilities going forward. These plans will bring benefits not only to the team but also to the wider community.”
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