Ards FC aim to move 'home' as Chairman calls on Executive to release Sub-Regional Stadia funding
The Championship club signed a new long-term lease for land in the town earlier this week
Last updated 20th Aug 2022
Ards Football Club Chairman Warren Patton has called on the Northern Ireland Executive to release the Sub-Regional Stadia Funding for clubs here sooner rather than later.
It's after the Championship club is delighted to signed a long-term lease on six acres of the Floodgates land on the Portaferry Road in Newtownards.
They plan to build a new ground, capable of hosting NIFL Premiership fixtures. The proposed 2,000-capacity stadium will include two seated stands, changing rooms, floodlights and a car park.
The move sees the club take their first steps to returning to their hometown since 2001, when they played at Castlereagh Road.
While Patton says the club's intentions are far from being reliant on securing their cut of the proposed ÂŁ36 million funding, he says it's time the money was released. There have been calls for the initial pot, which has been ringfenced for football for over a decade, to be increased due to inflation and increased costs of materials.
"We are seeking other avenues for private investors and there are other peace grants out there. There are so many grant out there in Northern Ireland, but we are in for part of the ÂŁ36 million. I'd urge all parties to get working together and get this money released," said Patton.
"It's probably been 11 or 12 years now since the ÂŁ36 million was agreed, but with inflation and increased costs, We'd all like to see that figure move closer to ÂŁ50 million," he continued.
"I think sport in Northern Ireland, and football especially, is in dire need of it."
On the signing of the lease for the land at the site on the Portaferry Road, the Ards Chairman was delighted at taking the first step following a long search for the right venue.
"This agreement is a massive boost for our football club and the entire Ards area, as at long last we have land to call our own in Newtownards. This is a big step forward on our journey home.
"We will now begin the process of securing the funding necessary to build a new stadium. To do this, we will work to identify new partners who can help us on the next stage of our journey.”
The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Karen Douglas commented: “The Council has given a lease to Ards Football Club which represents another milestone in the club’s quest to develop a new football stadium.
“The club’s ambitious proposals will be an investment that will benefit the Borough and encourage more people to get involved in sport. The Council welcomes this latest development and wishes the club well as it now endeavours to secure funding in order that the plans may be realised.”