Work to start on FC United's new stadium next month, completed by August
23 Oct 2013 08:49
In what has been described as a 'momentous day' in the non-league club's history a lease has been signed with Manchester council for the site on the Ronald Johnson Playing Fields in Moston.
New images of FC United's planned stadium in Moston New images of FC United's planned stadium in Moston
FC United's new 5,000-capacity stadium should be finished in August – with building work due to start next month.
In what has been described as a 'momentous day' in the non-league club's history a lease has been signed with Manchester council for the site on the Ronald Johnson Playing Fields in Moston.
The development brings an end to a long-running and often controversial saga.
Supporter-owned FC, formed in 2005 in protest at the Glazer family's ownership of Manchester United , fought a lengthy legal battle with a section of residents opposed to the stadium – which is expected to cost around £5.5m to build.
They have played at a variety of venues and are now finally set to break earth on a permanent home in the city.
New images of FC United's planned stadium in Moston New images of FC United's planned stadium in Moston
Delighted general manager Andy Walsh said: “This is a momentous day for FC United of Manchester and also for the local community who will benefit from this facility.
“This is a brilliant achievement and one of which everyone connected with the club should be very proud.”
Moston Juniors, who had previously held the lease at the site, will be accommodated at the new complex which will feature three pitches and a clubhouse.
FC, who play in the seventh-tier of English football, say the stadium will allow them to develop their vision of community driven football that will entertain, develop sports participation and both engage and provide facilities for local residents and community groups.
Walsh added: “The development is not about just football - residents of north Manchester will gain access to excellent community facilities offering a choice of activities including a range of other sports.
"We are excited about the commencement of work on the project and are celebrating today, but a bigger celebration will be when we complete the construction of the ground and the community facilities which will have such a positive effect on the local community and beyond.”
New images of FC United's planned stadium in Moston New images of FC United's planned stadium in Moston
The club had originally planned to build the stadium on Ten Acres Lane but a late switch in council funding scuppered the proposals.
They also had to endure a bitter legal battle with a group of residents opposed to the plans that ended when a Judicial Review found that the council had followed proper procedure when granting planning permission.
More than £2m of the money has come from a pioneering share scheme. Other partners include Sport England, the Football Foundation, Manchester council and the Manchester College.
Councillor Rosa Battle said: "This scheme will spell significant social and economic benefits for Moston and North Manchester as a whole,” while Jack Carney, Principal at The Manchester College, added: “The new football ground and sport facility will be a fantastic provision for the local community, giving residents access to a wide range of sporting and community facilities on their doorstep.”
Paul Mitchell, chairman of Moston Juniors Football Club, added: “I am proud that these facilities that are being built in Moston will put the area onto the UK sporting map as a beacon of excellence and community strength.”
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