New stadium bosses open to Sheffield talks

The company responsible for the proposed stadium at the Olympic Legacy Park say they are happy to with Sheffield Eagles.

The Eagles lost out on preferred bidder status to Scarborough Group International, headed by Sheffield United football club owner Kevin McCabe.

With the club currently playing outside of the city, in Wakefield, it is feared that it’s very future is under threat with the proposed secondary income from the new stadium said to have been a key part of its sustainable plans moving forward.

Eagles chairman Chris Noble MBE met with Legacy Park Project lead Richard Caborn following a recent board meeting held by Legacy Park Ltd, the organisation created to deliver the Olympic Legacy Park in the city’s east end, to determine a scheme.

Mr Caborn said: “Following discussions at the Board meeting we have recommended to Sheffield City Council, as Landowner, that it enters into a land transaction with Scarborough Group International for the development of a Stand and other linked facilities.

“In light of this decision, representatives of Sheffield Eagles have been informed with a view to enabling constructive discussions on accommodating the Club at the proposed stadium.” 

Mr Caborn added that there will be further discussions next week between the Chairman of Sheffield Eagles and the Project Director from Legacy Park Ltd to summarise the work required for the Eagles to play at the Stadium.

Scarborough Group International boss McCabe added: “We welcome the discussions as we move forward in working together on the development of a community stadium at the Olympic Legacy Park. We need to clarify certain criteria in the process but we are more than happy to work with the Sheffield Eagles.”

The proposed new stadium will be situated on the site of the Eagles’ former home, the Don Valley Stadium.