Wakefield Stadium Plans Collapse

Rugby league club Wakefield Wildcats’ plans for a new stadium have collapsed threatening the team’s long-term Super League status.

The Super League club were awarded a new three-year licence to remain in the top-flight on the promise of a move to an all-seater, community stadium on the outskirts of the town.

However the local authority said the project would be difficult to deliver within the £60m budget and by the target deadline of 2012.

Wakefield Council has pledged to investigate other options, which could include a stadium-sharing arrangement with neighbours Castleford Tigers.

Both clubs need to move into new homes to retain their places in Super League after 2011.

The Thornes Park project included an eight-lane swimming pool, sports hall, a 150-station gymnasium, training fields, redevelopment of the park, transport links and running track refurbishment.

Current stadium Belle Vue has been the home of the Wildcats for more than 100 years.