Sheffield stadium boost with work to start before end of 2019

Sheffield have received a boost with assurances that construction at the Olympic Legacy Park home will commence before the end of the year.

Fresh doubts over the development of the community stadium were raised when Kevin McCabe, whose Scarborough International Properties Limited firm got the nod to run the stadium, lost his shareholding in Sheffield United FC following a High Court order.

But the initial phase of work, incorporating 750 seats, terrace standing areas and mixed use office and commercial space, will begin in December.

An Eagles club statement said: “The club has been given assurances that the recent developments surrounding the ownership of Sheffield United has never been central to Scarborough’s interest in the stadium and further developing the Lower Don Valley.

“Alongside a home for Sheffield Eagles, Sheffield United Women occupying the Stadium was logical given the McCabe family’s interest in Sheffield United.

“Scarborough’s Chairman Kevin McCabe has made clear that the wellbeing of Sheffield United FC remains important to him and that it is the strong assumption that the club’s Women’s team will continue to retain its home at the Olympic Legacy Park Stadium.

“The club has had a trying and testing time since the closure of Don Valley Stadium but this is the hugely positive news we’ve been waiting for and will be a new dawn for Sheffield Eagles.”

Planning permission is in place for a capacity up to 3,921 in the completed stadium.

The Eagles say that the development will still enable them to play at the ground throughout next season, with facilities within the build becoming available as and when completed.