Leeds Rhinos: Hetherington's warning on the future of Headingley

By The Newsroom
Published 24th Mar 2017, 05:00 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 10:08 BST
Gary HetheringtonGary Hetherington
Gary Hetherington
THE REDEVELOPMENT of Headingley Stadium is 'on the cliff edge' Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington has warned.

THE REDEVELOPMENT of Headingley Stadium is “on the cliff edge” Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington has warned.

Planning permission has been granted for a new rugby South Stand and main stand, which is shared with Yorkshire County Cricket Club.

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But funding is still not in place and Hetherington says if contracts are not agreed by next week, work can’t be completed in time for the 2019 cricket World Cup.

Rhinos fans in the South StandRhinos fans in the South Stand
Rhinos fans in the South Stand

Yorkshire have said the future of Test and international cricket in Leeds is hanging in the balance, but Hetherington insisted the situation is even more urgent than that.

Rhinos are aiming to raise £22.5m for the new South Stand and their part of the main stand, with Yorkshire making a contribution of £16.5m.

Work had been due to start on the South Stand at the end of last season, but was delayed due to funding issues. Planning permission was granted in January, but Hetherington stressed: “People think because we’ve got planning permission the job is done, but it isn’t.

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“It is not just a cricket problem, if this doesn’t happen it will have serious implications for Leeds Rhinos, our foundation, Yorkshire Carnegie [rugby union] and the city as a whole.”

The proposed new North/South Stand overlooking the Headingley Cricket GroundThe proposed new North/South Stand overlooking the Headingley Cricket Ground
The proposed new North/South Stand overlooking the Headingley Cricket Ground

Hetherington could not confirm how much cash still needs to be raised, but he said: “Leeds Rhinos and Yorkshire County Cricket Club have worked tirelessly on this project for the past five years and we’re now on the cliff edge.