A football club is moving in after a deal with Dudley Council to lease one of the township’s sports grounds.
Gornal Athletic have announced that they will be leaving their 70-year-old home in Garden Walk to play at Burton Road Sports Ground on Kinloch Drive, Dudley.
The club has signed a 25-year lease with the council to use the facilities, but the move still requires approval of the plans.
In a statement, the club said: “This is an exciting bankruptcy for the football club as we are going to expand our football groups and collaborate more with the local community.
“Our new home will create a central place for all of our youth and first (men and women) with plans for up to 21 fields available.
“The new venue will be proud to house a new stadium with study rooms for educational programs, an outdoor multi-purpose basketball and netball court, outdoor gym, bar and catering facilities, all to sponsor and rent. “
Negotiations with the city council have been going on for a year.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley City Council, said: “Last year we went on the open market to rent out the Burton Road playgrounds for certain purposes.
“We have closed a long-term agreement, subject to plans, with Gornal Athletic.
“I think this ensures that the venue will continue to be a focal point for sports in the local community. “
The club, which plans to install a 4G court for network use and rental, said: “Although we perceive that enthusiasts would possibly be disappointed to move away from Garden Walk, which has been our home for over 70 years, now is the time to step away from an old and tired place.
“With the increase in footfall and usage, Garden Walk is disruptive and requires significant investment. “
Secretary Kevin Williams said the amenities would feature several courts to accommodate all age groups of the club’s groups and a clubhouse that would be used during the day for educational categories and would be available to the community at large.