Football returns to Faraday Road, Newbury. Get ready for some exciting football action as Faraday Road in Newbury is set to reopen in just two weeks. The West Berkshire Council (WBC) has announced that the sports facility will have its official opening on Sunday, November 19. Both adults and children will have access to temporary changing facilities and football goals. This is great news for the Newbury Community Football Group, which already has permission to build a small stadium and changing facilities at the site. Previously, the site was earmarked for development under the previous Conservative administration, but now it will be a hub for football enthusiasts.
The reopening of Faraday Road comes after the unfortunate destruction of Newbury FC’s clubhouse, which was located on the site. A fire in August 2021 left the clubhouse in ruins. The site had been vacant since 2018 when Newbury Football Club was evicted to make way for the redevelopment of the London Road Industrial Estate. Over time, the facility fell into disrepair, and there were plans to demolish the clubhouse and turn the site into an open recreation space.
However, the plans took a different turn when the approval for a new Sports Hub at Newbury Rugby Club in Monks Lane was granted in March 2022. Despite legal efforts by campaigners to keep football at Faraday Road, the move to Monks Lane went ahead. The decision was challenged in the High Court, but in February, the court sided with the West Berkshire Council and approved the Monks Lane Sports Hub.
With the change in administration after the local elections in May, work on the Faraday Road facility began swiftly. The grand opening is scheduled for 11.30am on November 19 and will feature welcoming speeches from WBC leader Lee Dillon and Lee McDougall from the Newbury Community Football Club. Faraday Road has always been known as the home of football in the district, and the council is thrilled to bring this community facility back to life.
The reopening of Faraday Road has also prompted a reevaluation of the planned Newbury Sports Hub at Monks Lane. The current plan will not be pursued, and a strategic review of sports facilities across the district will be conducted to determine the future of Monks Lane.
The grand opening event will be a celebration of football, with players and representatives from Newbury FC and Newbury Women FC in attendance. The under-8 teams from AFC Newbury Boys and Girls FC will kick off the festivities with a match against CSA 07 FC at noon. And if you’ve ever dreamed of taking a penalty shot, now is your chance! There will be a penalty shootout featuring Newbury FC goalkeepers, and people of all ages are invited to step up and show off their skills.
Don’t miss out on the excitement as football returns to Faraday Road. Mark your calendars for November 19 and join in the fun!