Private company could run proposed stadium at Rugby Avenue

The Coleraine Times understands that Council officials will visit London later this month on a fact finding mission.

During the trip the Council group, which will include a number of councillors, will view privately run enterprises, similar to what is proposed at Rugby Avenue in a bid to move the development forward.

Proposals for the Rugby Avenue site include a 6,000 seater stadium and a leisure centre with toddler pools and splash pools.

Outside, 4G football and five-a-side pitches will be built alongside a hockey area and other grass pitches for multi sports use.

We understand that Coleraine Borough Council plans to allow a private company to run the stadium, associated pitches and the leisure centre.

Council’s only role will be as land owners.

A contract will be drawn up between Coleraine Borough Council and the private company, and this could take up to 18 months. However, once the legalities of the contract are agreed, work can commence on the project.

We contacted Coleraine Borough Council for a comment however they said as the meeting was “in committee” they were unable to comment at this stage.