Swansea Council is optimistic that the sports ground could become the new home for The Ospreys.
Swansea City Council Proposes St Helen’s as New Home for The Ospreys
Swansea City Council has announced its intention to make St Helen’s sports ground the new home for top-flight rugby region, The Ospreys. This comes as The Ospreys seek a new venue, having declared that they will no longer play at the Swansea.com Stadium after the 2024-25 season.
Redevelopment Plans for St Helen’s
A proposal has been made to create a new operating model at St Helen’s, currently managed by the council, to redevelop it as a venue for both regional and community sports. Part of the plan includes ensuring the successful relocation of Swansea Cricket Club, which will be arranged in agreement with all relevant parties.
Council leader Rob Stewart emphasized the need for upgrading St Helen’s to offer a modern sports experience and highlighted the importance of providing a new, sustainable home for The Ospreys. He stated, “We’re prepared to work on the current Ospreys proposal for St Helen’s to become a modern rugby stadium, helping the region to make their home there and remain in Swansea.”
Community and Regional Benefits
The proposed redevelopment of St Helen’s involves transforming it into a rugby stadium that will serve a variety of users, including regional rugby, community sports, and existing tenants like Swansea RFC and Swansea University. The redevelopment will occur in phases over several years, enhancing capacity, facilities, and user experience.
Cricket teams displaced by the redevelopment will be offered upgraded facilities nearby, with details and timings to be finalized by stakeholders. The sports ground will remain accessible to local community groups and schools, ensuring broad community use.
Council’s Commitment
Robert Francis-Davies, the cabinet member for investment, regeneration, events, and tourism, presented the proposal to the council’s cabinet. He stressed the council’s commitment to working with The Ospreys and other stakeholders to develop St Helen’s into a premier sports facility that benefits regional rugby and the community.
Bridgend County Borough Council’s Interest
Meanwhile, Bridgend County Borough Council confirmed ongoing discussions with The Ospreys about potentially relocating to Dunraven Brewery Field from the 2025/26 season onwards. The move is seen as a significant economic boost for the area, given Bridgend’s strategic location and strong community ties with the Ospreys.
Councillor Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development, and Housing, expressed support for the Ospreys’ potential move to Bridgend, highlighting the economic and community benefits.
Ospreys’ Decision Pending
Ospreys CEO, Lance Bradley, noted that the decision has been narrowed down to St Helen’s in Swansea and Dunraven Brewery Field in Bridgend, both offering unique opportunities. He commended both councils for their cooperation and openness to creating a community-enriching stadium.
The Ospreys will remain at the Swansea.com Stadium for the 2024/25 season while initial redevelopments begin to ensure the selected new stadium is ready for the 2025/26 season. Further updates on the final stadium selection will be provided by The Ospreys in due course.
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