FANS have been taking to social media to share their views after Worcester City revealed plans to leave Claines Lane and build a new home in Fernhill Heath.
The proposals released on Wednesday are part of a wider 'Worcestershire Sports Park' project that will be a joint venture between the club and Marsten developments, a property development company in Worcester.
READ | all the details of the proposal for a new Worcestershire Sports Park can be found here
City have been renting facilities since leaving St George's Lane in 2013, playing away from Worcester at Aggborough (Kidderminster Harriers) and The Victoria Ground (Bromsgrove Sporting) before returning to the city at Claines Lane, which is owned by the Worcestershire FA.
And now, after two years at Claines, City's new majority shareholder Simon Lancaster, has plans to build their own permanent home, which for most supporters, was welcomed.
Great news. The future is looking bright. Haven't been in a position to say that too often in all the years I've supported City!#wcfc #KeepTheFaith
— WCFC Geordie Branch (@WCFCtoonbranch) November 29, 2023
Up the City! 🔵⚪️
Amazing news. City deserves a great location again and it sounds like all the right considerations are being made. Bring on January.
— FacesNBases (@FacesNBases) November 29, 2023
Sounds Great. Just what the club needs
— James Houston (@Housty1980) November 29, 2023
On Facebook, Gary Mollart added: "Exciting news, can't wait to see the plans. Am I right in thinking the land is under Wychavon Council too? If so, the club won't have to deal with Worcester City Council who haven't been at all helpful to the club in the past."
Extremely positive, the whole feeling around the club has changed so much, we now go home and away feeling good about games,
— Ian Pardoe (@IanPardoe1) November 30, 2023
We also all have long memories so we’ll be keeping our feet on the ground until we see the plans etc.
It sounds great and not being in the City boundary gives me more optimism. I'm hopeful but not getting carried away.
— 𝒫𝒶𝓊𝓁 𝐿𝒶𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓉𝓎 (@Paul__Laverty) November 30, 2023
But amongst the excitement and positivity, there was a feeling from some that moving out of the city to Fernhill Heath, which is technically in the Wychavon district, was a negative.
Encouraging - such a shame that past city council intransigence means that the club may have to be located in Wychavon, but ultimately progress has to be made.
— Andy Bell (@BellagioMarple) November 29, 2023
The irony is Fernhill Heath isn’t even in the catchment area for Worcester schools. Being so peripheral brings no footfall or spin off benefits for a beautiful but decaying city centre. Likely most will travel to & from by car.
— richard (@richard00761191) November 29, 2023
On Facebook, Brian Willis said: "Great news but my only concerns are that I am not too sure that building retirement homes near a busy Football ground is going to work, but hey ho, I’m sure the club will have it all sorted out. Well done Worcester City FC.
Nick ward added: "Great news but I won't hold my breath until the first brick is laid."
A public consultation will be held in January next year before the planning permission process can begin, which is likely to take between six to nine months.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here