Hebburn Town delay major stadium redevelopment plans - here's why
Hebburn Town have released a statement on plans for the redevelopment of the Trustmark Group Stadium.
Hebburn Town have continued work on the redevelopment of the Trustmark Group Stadium has been delayed by a year.
The Hornets secured around £2million in government funding to oversee a major redevelopment of their home and received a further boost when South Tyneside Council’s planning committee gave the green light to the plans in March. The extensive work will include a new main stand featuring new changing facilities, a gym, club shop, hospitality areas and a new function room. A new FIFA-certified training pitch and main pitch are to be installed and a new entrance to the ground and increased parking facilities are also on the agenda.
However, despite hoping to start the work ahead of a historic first ever season in the National League North, the Hornets board have taken what they call a ‘difficult but appropriate decision’ to delay the work by 12 months to allow everyone connected with the club to prepare for a challenging year on and off the pitch.
A statement released on the club website on Friday lunchtime read: “The Board of Directors has today confirmed that the club’s major construction development project at The Trustmark Group Stadium will be postponed following a series of unforeseen delays and scheduling challenges.
“Over recent months, the club has been working closely with key stakeholders, including the Football Foundation, the local authority, planning officers, and appointed contractors, to progress the scheme. However, after extensive and considered discussions, it has become clear that continuing with the original proposed timeline would present significant challenges to both operational efficiency and the club’s ability to compete effectively in the upcoming season in the National League North.
"As a result, the Board has taken the difficult but appropriate decision to delay the main construction works until the conclusion of the 2026/2027 season in April 2027. This decision has been made with the best interests of the football club, its players, staff, supporters, and the wider community in mind. By adjusting the timeline, the club can ensure minimal disruption to day-to-day operations, allowing everyone to fully enjoy what promises to be an exciting first season competing in the National League North at The Trustmark Group Stadium."
Development
The Gazette understands the current timeframes in place would mean the club having to play ‘home’ games elsewhere for a significant proportion of the first half of next season and that would bring a sizeable cost and a drop in revenue. However, the delay will allow for a more efficient plan to be put in place next summer and ensure and impact on finances is reduced ahead of the 2027/28 season.
The Hornets board has moved to reassure supporters the project will still go ahead and described themselves as ‘fully committed’ to delivery on a transformational project that they believe will get underway ‘with a more robust and efficient programme’ next summer.
The statement continued: “Importantly, this is a delay and not a cancellation of the project. The club remains fully committed to delivering the development and enhancing its long-term facilities. Work will continue behind the scenes, with all parties now afforded the necessary time to discharge planning conditions properly and refine delivery plans. This approach will ensure contractors are fully prepared to begin construction immediately following the 2026/2027 campaign, supported by a more robust and efficient programme.
"With this clarity in place, the club can now focus its attention on preparations for the new season ahead. The 2026/2027 campaign will see the club welcome several high-profile sides to The Trustmark Group Stadium, including Morecambe FC, Oxford City FC, Macclesfield FC, South Shields FC, Spennymoor Town FC, and Darlington FC and may more. The club is looking forward to the challenges ahead and to competing at this level.”
Ticket prices announced
Meanwhile, the Hornets have confirmed their season ticket prices for their first ever season in the National League North and they have revealed supporters can benefit from an ‘early bird’ offer. Any season tickets purchased before 1st June will cost £220 for adults, £180 for concessions and £70 for Under-18s. Those costs will rise to £260, £200 and £95 respectively after the cut-off date. Matchday general admission prices have also been set at £14 for adults, £10 for concessions and Under-18s are priced at £5 - although a new National League ruling for the 2026/27 season has stated any Under-14s wishing to gain entry must be accompanied by an adult.