On June 11, Sale Sharks announced its plans to build a new stadium in the heart of the town. Branded as a ‘return home’ the development will also include a number of other features on top of the stadium.
Currently, details of this plan are still thin on the ground. Sale have described it as a vision and the accompanying video offers little more in terms of concrete facts on the development.
Sale Sharks Coming Home
Sale’s move to the AJ Bell in 2012 has been much criticised. Like London Irish’s decision to move to Reading it took the stadium away from its fanbase. This, coupled with well-publicised transport issues getting to and from the ground has led to Sale rarely filling the stadium out.
Now with increased funding Sale have taken the decision to move back to the town itself. The Crossford Bridge Sports Village will house Sale Sharks men’s and women’s teams. Investment is expected to include state of the art training facilities along with community development to have a positive impact on the whole community.
This looks like it could be a strong move from Sale should they pull it off. We know from the likes of Bath that stadium development plans can go awry very quickly. If Sale Sharks can fill this new stadium and continue to produce success on the field then all will be well.
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Fans to Get Their Say
As part of the plans, Sale are offering fans and local community members a say in the development. On the 22 of June, fans will be asked to give their feedback and suggestions.
The idea here is to keep the plans grounded in the needs and wants of the community. However, how much sway fans actually get is yet to be seen but this is a nice move nonetheless.
With all the negativity and uncertainty around rugby, it is exciting to see some clubs still striving forwards. If Sale pull this one off successfully then it could see the regeneration of rugby in the north of England on a grand scale.
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