WORCESTER City has published proposals for a new stadium at Parsonage Way with scope for expansion up to National League standard.

The club’s vision begins with a 1,300 capacity ground that satisfies the Football Association’s D grade, meaning City could get promoted to and remain in the division above their current Midland League Premier Division status.

A four-stage plan has been laid out for an eventual capacity of up to 5,000 within the boundary of the initial site.

Alongside the stadium, there is a training pitch with a pledge to make it available for community use alongside changing facilities and indoor space. The public has been invited to suggest how this is shaped.

Warndon Parish Council chairman Ray Morris expressed concerns about access and parking which City plan to head off through a reciprocal arrangement with Worcester Warriors approximately one mile down the road.

City’s facility would begin with 90 parking spaces with the potential to increase to 350 by the final stage.

On parking and access, the published plans state: “The highways infrastructure will be put in place to serve the capacity of the final category (grade) A sized ground with new junctions on Parsonage Way providing dedicated in and out access which will be carefully designed to deal with the projected amount of vehicles.

“Our highways consultant Systra is in pre-planning application discussion with Worcestershire County Council and Highways England and are carrying out extensive survey work to ensure the ground does not get developed to the detriment of local infrastructure.

“The category (grade) A ground will cater for circa 350 parking spaces. Each phase will be designed to council guidelines.

“In addition, the club will be utilising park and ride us services on match days from the city centre, County Hall and Sixways. During match days at Sixways, WRFC (Worcester Warriors) will be offering a park and ride from the new ground to ease parking on rugby home games.”

Included is a letter from Warriors which acknowledges initial discussions regarding shared parking facilities but makes clear no agreement has been rubber stamped.