Boost to Wealdstone FC stadium ambitions

Wealdstone FC has been given exclusive rights to two plots of land in west London, as the club tries to achieve its ambition of a permanent new stadium and training ground.

Hillingdon Council has agreed a deal for the sites in Uxbridge - vacant plots at the old Master Brewer Hotel and Gutteridge Farm - allowing the football club three years to secure funding and apply for planning permission.

The National League side, currently based at Grosvenor Vale in Ruislip, has been looking for a permanent new home to build a 6,000-seater stadium.

Acting chairman Dominic Whyley said the club was "delighted" about the latest developments, which he said were "vital" for its future.

The Stones began carrying out feasibility studies at the sites in November 2023.

The deal, signed by the council's cabinet this week, means the local authority will agree not to negotiate on the sale of the land with any other parties for the next three years, allowing the club time to buy and build on the land.

Under the arrangement, the council would be paid a small annual fee.

"We are absolutely delighted to have been granted this exclusivity agreement to facilitate the club's need to find a new permanent home, which is vital to securing its future and all its ancillary community activities," Mr Whylie said.

The Royals were previously based at Lower Mead in Harrow but that site was sold to Tesco and demolished in 1991.

They later relocated to the Ruislip site, with the hope of one day moving to a purpose-built facility.

Jonathan Bianco, Hillingdon Council's cabinet member for corporate services, said the authority was "proud to support our local sports clubs".

"A new stadium and the associated facilities could provide many benefits to the borough, and I look forward to seeing the proposals as they take shape," he said.

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