Worthing United

[pauld]

I thought I'd read in another thread about the threat to Worthing United's ground, but couldn't find it, so have created this one instead.

There is an exhibition at the Charmandean Centre this coming Tuesday (21st) from 17:30 to 20:30 when the developers are outlining their plans for 90 new homes off Lyons Way (north of Beeches Avenue).
I have previously heard that United had been warned that next season would be their last at the ground.

Although not directly related to our club, this does affect football in Worthing. 

[wwrebel]

Sadly I suppose its only a matter of time before houses are built up there.

I have been told that houses will only be permitted if Worthing United are provided with another ground, no idea whereabouts that would be though as space in the town is extremely limited and very costly.

I would hope that if the they end up homeless we would offer a ground share opportunity although I realise that would be problematic considering our pitch is used extensively throughout the week. Would be a real shame to see any club go the wall.

(Maybe a new stadium for both sides could be constructed elsewhere in the town for both sides to use and one that is ready for National League football!?)

[dutchboy74]

Mar 16, 2023 15:57:02 GMT wwrebel said:

Sadly I suppose its only a matter of time before houses are built up there.

I have been told that houses will only be permitted if Worthing United are provided with another ground, no idea whereabouts that would be though as space in the town is extremely limited and very costly.

I would hope that if the they end up homeless we would offer a ground share opportunity although I realise that would be problematic considering our pitch is used extensively throughout the week. Would be a real shame to see any club go the wall.

(Maybe a new stadium for both sides could be constructed elsewhere in the town for both sides to use and one that is ready for National League football!?)

I have heard the same. That they only can move once a suitable alternative has been found. But hasn’t this been going on for a few years?
It is a shame as it is only across the road for me. And like popping over if Worthing not playing at home.

[saintsfan2009]

Mar 16, 2023 15:57:02 GMT wwrebel said:

Sadly I suppose its only a matter of time before houses are built up there.

I have been told that houses will only be permitted if Worthing United are provided with another ground, no idea whereabouts that would be though as space in the town is extremely limited and very costly.

I would hope that if the they end up homeless we would offer a ground share opportunity although I realise that would be problematic considering our pitch is used extensively throughout the week. Would be a real shame to see any club go the wall.

(Maybe a new stadium for both sides could be constructed elsewhere in the town for both sides to use and one that is ready for National League football!?)

The last sentence is very interesting. The stadium size and capacity moving forward has been discussed on another thread. Maybe, just maybe, you never know?

[findonrebel]

Planning Permission had been granted up there many years ago for houses and the plan never materialised, this is going back a good 15 years! So there is a long way to get yet and I wouldn't be surprised if it drifted in the wind.

A friend of mine had always said that Teville gate would have been an ideal location for a ground with good parking options in the town, and also a whole 30 second walk from the station. That idea won't happen though with the new HMRC building there. Another option would be the old HMRC site at Durrington but again that's going to be more houses that no one can afford. Apart from those 2 sites I can't think of anywhere else...

[Keithsson]

Well they seem to be having major problems getting housing over the line on the fields between Highdown Hill and the railway line. Been up and down to the Government and courts several times on appeal.

Might a community sports hub fare better?

Decent road links and right next to Goring Station, might be less objectionable to the NIMBY's who keep objecting on grounds of housing saturation and lack of infrastructure (schools, GP places etc).

[harty]

Mar 16, 2023 23:10:00 GMT saintsfan2009 said:

Mar 16, 2023 15:57:02 GMT wwrebel said:

Sadly I suppose its only a matter of time before houses are built up there.

I have been told that houses will only be permitted if Worthing United are provided with another ground, no idea whereabouts that would be though as space in the town is extremely limited and very costly.

I would hope that if the they end up homeless we would offer a ground share opportunity although I realise that would be problematic considering our pitch is used extensively throughout the week. Would be a real shame to see any club go the wall.

(Maybe a new stadium for both sides could be constructed elsewhere in the town for both sides to use and one that is ready for National League football!?)

The last sentence is very interesting. The stadium size and capacity moving forward has been discussed on another thread. Maybe, just maybe, you never know?

Worthing United have been on a rolling 18 month lease for over 20 years now and whilst the developers will do what they can they are not obliged to provide United with a new ground.

[pauld]

I went to the exhibition and the housing development is to the west of United's ground, although the access road goes through their car park. The developers are saying that they would improve parking for the football, by laying a decent surface and by using the current caged area.

There was mention that this is Phase 1, and Phase 2 would kick in once the football club has moved elsewhere.

[pauld]

Worthing United conceded an injury-time equaliser at Wick last night in the Southern Combination League Div 1 play-off semi-final, then lost on penalties.