MKM Stadium: Redevelopment plans to be submitted ‘later this year’

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

Talks have been held on plans to redevelop the MKM Stadium that would bring “wider benefits for the community” as well as Hull City and Hull FC.

Provisional proposals – which would see Hull City’s Academy relocated to the stadium, improved facilities for the Tigers Trust, along with a raft of improved community facilities in West Park – have also been shared with Hull City Council’s planning committee ahead of a detailed planning application which is expected to be submitted later this year, the council said.

The stadium, which is home to both clubs, is owned by the council and operated by the SuperStadium Management Company (SMC).

City council leader Mike Ross met this week with the SMC, Hull City executive vice-chair Tan Kesler and Hull FC chairman Adam Pearson to progress discussions on the proposed redevelopment.

Councillor Ross said: “It was good to meet with SMC and see the progress it has made on the proposals and discuss any support needed from the council.

“There would be wider benefits for the community and the professional clubs and it was great to be able to hear about those.”

Hull City, the Tigers Trust, SMC and Hull FC will now engage with the local community and other stakeholders in advance of submitting a planning application.

Mr Kesler said: “I’d like to thank Councillor Ross and his colleagues for their interest and support for our vision for the future of the MKM Stadium and surrounding area.

“Additionally, I’d like to thank Adam and also our colleagues at the Tigers Trust for their efforts and enthusiasm for a project that will bring benefits to so many people.

“We look forward to sharing our plans with the people of Hull in due course.”

The £43m stadium opened in December 2002.