New ground gets thumbs up

By Matt Lawton
April 16 2004

RMI look set to leave Hilton Park after approval was given to outline planning permission for the Leigh Sports Village, much to the delight of RMI supporters and supporters of the project.

The granting of outline planning permission will now trigger a round of intensive consultation with the sports village partners, with the aim having full planning permission passed and the build started early next year.

However, there is still the possibility of the plans being called in for a public enquiry — at any time during the 28-day period after the decision. Such a call-in could prove to be fatal to the plans, but is considered unlikely as none of the statutory consultees, such as the Highways Agency), have complained about the plans.

The plans include a 10,000 capacity stadium for shared use between RMI and Leigh Centurions, a competition standard Athletics arena for Leigh Harriers, a new clubhouse, pitches and training areas for Leigh East ARLFC. The scheme also features a new college campus for Wigan and Leigh College, replacing the current building, office space, a cinema and bowling alley, housing and a hotel and casino amongst other things.

The news gives RMI a much needed boost after a terrible season which has seen them struggle at the foot of the Nationwide Conference table.