Update from 8th October:
One of our colleagues attended the WMDC Cabinet Meeting in Ossett this week. The meeting was attended by around a dozen Wakefield supporters, anxious to find out the latest from WMDC regarding the recent Planning Application from Yorkcourt / Henry Boot regarding the proposed Kitwave facility at Newmarket

The question was asked during the Cabinet meeting, however Cllr Box refused to answer, other than suggesting that the council and club were in ‘sensitive negotiations’, and instead invited those interested to gather after the meeting and that the Head of Planning, Neil Rodgers, would be able to answer the questions raised.
A number of questions were asked of Neil, most of which he could easily answer. However, he mentioned that they were dealing with ‘Trusts’ in the plural, to which we sought clarification and he confirmed that there were more than one Trust and he is in talks with them. He was also asked if Sir Rodney Walker was involved, to which he refused to say one way or other.
Form the discussion it would appear that the issue between the initial Outline Planning Application Public Inquiry and the subsequent LDF (Local Development Framework) Public Inquiry is the area in which the council is most uncomfortable in that there is a belief that Yorkcourt can work within the LDF without the need for the OPP. We would note that the fact that both were running around the same time was known to both Government officers conducting the relevant Inquiries and both not only made reference to the other but also took these facts into account in their deliberations.
Neil Rodgers then went on to say that the pending decision was contentious and the council would seek independent legal advice. It was then pointed out that the council had sought ‘Legal Advice’ in relation to whether to consider the Newcold site as being outside of the catchment of the Unilateral Undertaking (Section 106 agreement) and that despite Freedom of Information requests they had been unable to provide evidence of any such ‘Advice’ having been taken.
Neil was then asked outright for a straight ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer - is there a chance of the Newcold development going back into the contribution area. He categorically said no chance whatsoever!!
All of this is also now made more complicated still by the plans for HS2 and when this was mentioned he said that although things were still vague, it is possible that it could cut through the site and make it impossible to leave enough land ever to develop so as to achieve the 60000 total!
Other things mentioned was that even though they have this recent letter from Gateleys they are still open to giving Yorkcourt planning for houses (on the proposed Stadium site) in order to help them gather more money to contribute towards a Community Stadium.
Thereafter it appeared as though he just wanted to blame the Inspector and the Government and a poor 106 as the reason for the non-delivery of the Community Stadium.

The above is just a potted version of the discussion. It does however confirm that it would appear that the council are reluctant to turn down the current Planning Application, although a formal decision can only be made by the Planning Committee themselves.
At the meeting we were also advised of something we had heard before, but never able to verify, which is that Yorkcourt were involved in the delivery of the Manchester Arena – we would appreciate someone confirming this if they have any knowledge or evidence of it.

Also to add - he said Manni was keen to sell bv but as regards to redevelopment any funds from wmdc could not be directly to any private business - ie trinity or 88m and suggested that some kind of plan to buy the ground & wmdc to loan the stadium trust funds would be an idea to be discussed. Added that the c700k suggested yc pay would be a pro rata payment basis from the kitwave development only - butvwasnt hopeful of this. Took a view that yc would only have to start a stadium build when the units etc have a 60% occupancy. Confirmed as above that the newcold fridge was outside any footage for the trigger points.

Don’t care which trust they talk to and whose on what trust, just want a fit for purpose stadium for our City and Club.

Up the Trin

Well I for one put all my trust in those in the Community Trust that have worked tirelessly on behalf of us fans for years , giving up probably thousands of hours of their own time to get the stadium the city of Wakefield was promised. If the council is now talking to Walker god help us as the only person he is ever serving is himself.

Likewise from me. The Community Trust are the ones that have fought this battle and they are the ones I want to succeed.

You should care which "Trust" they talk to.
One will deliver (community), the other "trust" will please itself.
I hesitate to actually call it a "trust" for fear of giving credence to the idea it actually exists.
We know what it is and it ain't no trust.

If for any reason Walkers trust got involved and usurped the Community trust I'd never watch Trinity again, it would be the end of my love affair with our great club.

I for one wouldn't blame you but if it did happen then it would be time for the RFL to step in and put some leverage on all involved. Keep the faith mate.

I've been keeping the faith ground wise for over ten years now mate and I'm worn out with it, I can't imagine how Sandal cat and TRB cope with it, they're either Angels or not wired up right.



Ps, that was a joke.

I understand what you are saying and we shouldn't cut our nose off to spite our face but you've got one trust who will work/have worked tirelessly to secure community facilities as opposed to another 'trust' that's in it to line their own pockets and are not interested in delivering a new stadium.

We all want the same thing but how do you know that both Trusts have the same aims and objectives.

Others on here seem to think that the “other Trust” may not have the same agenda as the W&DCT.

Quote ="TRB"At the meeting we were also advised of something we had heard before, but never able to verify, which is that Yorkcourt were involved in the delivery of the Manchester Arena – we would appreciate someone confirming this if they have any knowledge or evidence of it.'" As far as i can see, Yorkcourt had no involvement in the Manchester Arena. It was DLA Design who were the architects - https://www.dla-design.co.uk/projects/manchester-arena DLA have worked on numerous sports facilities locally, including Headingley and even the proposed Cas Stadium. I do seem to remember that DLA did the original plans for the stadium at Newmarket....just checked and yes they did, the plans can be found on the planning portal.

Quote ="TRB"At the meeting we were also advised of something we had heard before, but never able to verify, which is that Yorkcourt were involved in the delivery of the Manchester Arena – we would appreciate someone confirming this if they have any knowledge or evidence of it.'" As far as i can see, Yorkcourt had no involvement in the Manchester Arena. It was DLA Design who were the architects - https://www.dla-design.co.uk/projects/manchester-arena DLA have worked on numerous sports facilities locally, including Headingley and even the proposed Cas Stadium. I do seem to remember that DLA did the original plans for the stadium at Newmarket....just checked and yes they did, the plans can be found on the planning portal.

TRB, out of interest, what difference would it make if Yourkcourt had been involved in the M.E.N?

We do all want the same thing and that’s a community stadium in our City for us our children their children and future generations to enjoy. Appreciate the work the Trust put in but don’t care which trust takes credit for delivering the stadium.

I know Jonathan

I care which trust it is, the one that has worked tirelessly for years on provididing a community stadium for Wakefield.

Remember that Box hates the club, Rodders wants to make money out of the job and for all we know already has. Box wants Rodders to head the new trust, the plan would then be for Yorkcourt, Box and Rodders ( new trust ) to present terms to Trinity for Trinitys use of a community stadium that are totally unworkable for the club. The club say no then Yorkcourt , Box and Rodders ( new Trust ) all turn round and say we tried but Trinity would not play ball with us. Remember that this situation arose when they were trying to force MC into accepting some terms on a redeveloped BV plans that was never going to work, such as all match day incomes from stadium outlets- food, bars etc would be going to Rodders new trust. The new trust with Rodders is just a scam, Box, Rodders and Yorkcourt are simply trying to create situation where blame can be proportioned to the club.

That's good to know, worried that ir was some other Chairman.

You still seem to be missing the point on which Trust delivers the stadium.

Do you honestly think I and others are doing this for credit. I dont care who delivers and claims credit for it as long as it gets delivered.

Its nothing to do with credit its about what the terms of any deal/lease will be and if you want me to I will elaborate but it looks like Belly has had a go..

Everyone is entitled to their opinion but, it would be worth reading into some of the history regarding the Trust and just why Sir Rodney is no longer part of the trust. Hell, "the other trust" haven't even had the decency to reveal themselves OR state their objectives and thats before we get into some of the murky goings on regarding Belle Vue etc

The alternative trust is probably a group of old men looking for one last dip in the trough.
I just feel they want more than delivery of a stadium, it feels to me they want the club as well.
I don't have many fond memories of SRW at Trinity and think like many on here, we have the best organisation this club has ever had.
The progress and stability all around are an absolute credit.

After 60 years as a supporter, I left the ground after the Warrington game in despair.
The facilities are shocking. The Labour council should be made to pay for this at election time.
Jeremy Cross, my old neighbour, where are you? Time to name and shame these ratbags.
up the Trin

I thought we had told rodders to bugger off

Some you just can't get to flush away

Read Kear's book not long ago, I am sure it made reference to Sir Rodney paying off our tax bill in the not too distant past - at the risk of going off on a tangent wasnt this the case?

Rodney has saved the club more than once I believe.