News: Millmoor talks held over "centre of excellence" idea
Early stage discussions have taken place over the future use of Millmoor, the historic home of Rotherham United that is currently being demolished.
Rothbiz reported first in May that the Ron Hull Group planned to demolish Millmoor with plans explaining the poor condition and the "long term lack of a viable user" of the stadium that last hosted league football almost 20 years ago.
The new owners of CF Booth Ltd, took on the old football ground when it acquired the assets of the historic Rotherham firm that had entered administration. Plans said that "the client does intend to redevelop the site at a future date."
Now, just months on from saving Rotherham United Women Football Club, the new owners there have started discussions regarding big plans for utilising Millmoor in the future.
Local business leaders Phil Smith and Scott Thorpe acquired the club in July when it was just days away from closure following a period of financial uncertainty.
Smith, the founder and former group CEO of Embark Group, and Thorpe of TMG Financial Services, have set out a bold vision to achieve back to back promotions and reach the Barclays Women’s Super League within five years.
With the plans approved for the demolition of Millmoor, talks have taken place about the club creating a sports village at the Masbrough site.
Advertisement
Scott Thorpe, co-owner of Rotherham United Women Football Club, said: "We've had some really positive discussions with the council about the possibility of bringing one of Rotherham's most historic sporting sites back to life as a sports village and centre of excellence.
"And I don't want us to think small.
"Why shouldn't Rotherham become a genuine centre of excellence for girls' and women's football, with facilities that also support schools, other sports and the wider community?
"Imagine a place where a young girl can start playing football, develop through a proper pathway and potentially go all the way, without having to leave the town to find opportunities.
"And imagine bringing a historic sporting site back to life in a way that benefits thousands of people, not just those who turn up to watch 90 minutes of football.
"That's the sort of ambition I think we should have for Rotherham.
"We're at the beginning of those conversations, and there's a huge amount to work through, including funding, feasibility and listening to what the town actually wants.
"But everything starts with an idea and people willing to put the work in."
Rotherham United Women currently play home games at the Rotherham Hospice Community Stadium at Parkgate. Doncaster Rovers Belles were the last team to play at Millmoor in 2025.
With regard to the future of the site, the CF Booth scrap yard was allocated as Industrial & Business Use in the borough's 2018 local plan. The stadium and surrounding area was allocated as a Mixed Use Area appropriate for "business use (excluding offices), housing, residential and non residential institutions and assembly and leisure uses."
Rotherham United Women Football Club website
TMG website
Images: RUFC / RUWFC
Rothbiz reported first in May that the Ron Hull Group planned to demolish Millmoor with plans explaining the poor condition and the "long term lack of a viable user" of the stadium that last hosted league football almost 20 years ago.
The new owners of CF Booth Ltd, took on the old football ground when it acquired the assets of the historic Rotherham firm that had entered administration. Plans said that "the client does intend to redevelop the site at a future date."
Now, just months on from saving Rotherham United Women Football Club, the new owners there have started discussions regarding big plans for utilising Millmoor in the future.
Local business leaders Phil Smith and Scott Thorpe acquired the club in July when it was just days away from closure following a period of financial uncertainty.
Smith, the founder and former group CEO of Embark Group, and Thorpe of TMG Financial Services, have set out a bold vision to achieve back to back promotions and reach the Barclays Women’s Super League within five years.
With the plans approved for the demolition of Millmoor, talks have taken place about the club creating a sports village at the Masbrough site.
Advertisement
Scott Thorpe, co-owner of Rotherham United Women Football Club, said: "We've had some really positive discussions with the council about the possibility of bringing one of Rotherham's most historic sporting sites back to life as a sports village and centre of excellence.
"And I don't want us to think small.
"Why shouldn't Rotherham become a genuine centre of excellence for girls' and women's football, with facilities that also support schools, other sports and the wider community?
"Imagine a place where a young girl can start playing football, develop through a proper pathway and potentially go all the way, without having to leave the town to find opportunities.
"And imagine bringing a historic sporting site back to life in a way that benefits thousands of people, not just those who turn up to watch 90 minutes of football.
"That's the sort of ambition I think we should have for Rotherham.
"But everything starts with an idea and people willing to put the work in."
Rotherham United Women currently play home games at the Rotherham Hospice Community Stadium at Parkgate. Doncaster Rovers Belles were the last team to play at Millmoor in 2025.
With regard to the future of the site, the CF Booth scrap yard was allocated as Industrial & Business Use in the borough's 2018 local plan. The stadium and surrounding area was allocated as a Mixed Use Area appropriate for "business use (excluding offices), housing, residential and non residential institutions and assembly and leisure uses."
Rotherham United Women Football Club website
TMG website
Images: RUFC / RUWFC
0 comments:
Post a Comment