Duo in groundshare talks

If AC Milan and Inter Milan can share the San Siro Stadium, I can see no reason why this cannot happen in this district. It has to be the sensible and viable way forward.

Peter Box of Wakefield Council
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Talks are underway over a potential groundshare between Super League clubs Wakefield and Castleford.

The West Yorkshire rivals are currently involved in separate new stadium projects only two junctions apart on the M62 motorway but Wakefield Council are hoping to bring the plans together in order to cut costs.

The clubs need the moves in order to fulfil new Super League requirements for 2012, with the promotion of a Championship club after next season potentially leaving them vulnerable.

And both Wakefield and Castleford are keen to complete their individual projects, creating the possibility of a major obstacle to negotiations over a shared venue.

"We welcome the suggestion of an independent feasibility study approach and agree in principle that a shared stadium is the best option for both clubs and the community," Tigers chief executive Richard Wright said.

Advanced

"We are at an advanced stage in the delivery of our own project and at this stage, with the shared stadium still at concept stage, it is very important whilst supporting the Council in exploring the possibility of a shared stadium, we do not let our own project slip."

Wakefield chief executive James Elston added: "We are confident that Newmarket (the site for their stadium) is the only viable option for delivering community sport and leisure facilities in the district and to retain Super League rugby in Wakefield.

"We wish to confirm that our commitment to the Newmarket stadium plans remain steadfast."

However, Wakefield Council leader Peter Box has taken a firm stance, saying the building of two new stadiums is no longer financially viable and stating that the original support for the plans will be withdrawn.

Finances

"The Council's current financial position has changed dramatically since the election," he said.

"In the circumstances in which we now find ourselves - losing £70million from our schools building programme, losing more millions from highways - the business case for one single stadium is overwhelming.

"We agreed last year to support each club by giving them land to the value of £2m, dependent on them producing a financial plan for the stadiums.

"This offer runs out in September and the Council's new financial position now means that, unless there is agreement on a single stadium, Cabinet could not recommend to Council that this financial offer is renewed."

Box went on to say that an independent assessment of the sites should take place in order to determine which one should become clubs' shared stadium.

He added: "If AC Milan and Inter Milan can share the San Siro Stadium, I can see no reason why this cannot happen in this district. It has to be the sensible and viable way forward."