Wasps withdraw plans to expand Henley training ground as club is set to enter administration

By James Smith 17th Oct 2022

Wasps announced last week that they would be going into administration "in the coming days" (Image via google.maps)
Wasps announced last week that they would be going into administration "in the coming days" (Image via google.maps)

Wasps have withdrawn plans to expand their Henley-in-Arden training ground as the club's future hangs in the balance.

The club announced last week that they are "likely" to go into administration "within days" with media speculation indicating that this will happen today (October 17).

Wasps have twice announced that they have appointed insolvency experts to help them pay back their debts.

But announcing plans to go into administration the club said: "We strongly believe it is the right course of action."

The club has been suspended from the Premiership by the Rugby Football Union as a result.

And as Wasps attempt to pay back the £35million debt owed to bond holders they have pulled two applications to Stratford-on-Avon District Council to improve their Stratford Road Elite Performance and Innovation Centre.

One application would have seen a new changing pavilion and groundsman's store built at the 13 acre green belt site.

The plans said the scheme would have boosted the club's involvement in the local community.

Wasps have played at the Coventry Building Society Arena since moving from London in 2014 (image via SWNS)

"The proposed Changing Pavilion & Groundsman's Store will allow Wasps to become increasingly embedded within the local community," it said. 

"This continues to allow players to engage with local schools, clubs and community groups in and around Henley-in-Arden, bringing excitement to youngsters and a strong incentive to increase participation in sport."

The pavilion would have included a team meeting room, changing rooms, toilets, kit store, kitchen, officials' changing room and groundsman's store.

Wasps have also pulled a second application for a new pitch with 10metre high fencing around it.

The club opened its £4million training centre in Henley in September 2021, despite fierce opposition from locals.

But the ongoing uncertainty around the future of the CBS Arena has also led to questions around the long-term plans for the Coventry City as tenants.

The Sky Blues, who returned to the city having played at St Andrews in Birmingham for two seasons, have announced plans with the University of Warwick to build a new stadium near Kenilworth which will also form part of a proposed eco-park.

However, a planning application for the development is yet to be submitted.

     

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