BY Helen Kay | Monday 6 January 2025
A Super League rugby club has unveiled what it has described as “a masterplan for community and sporting excellence,” intended for land around its Sewell Group Craven Park Stadium.
Hull Kingston Rovers says it has received a positive initial response to proposals for a sports campus development at this location.
It says national brands are ready to move, pending the outcome of a planning application in the spring.
Paul Sewell, chairman of Rovers, said heads of terms have been agreed with two big retailers for an investment which would contribute to the creation of more than 100 jobs and generate revenue to support the club’s on-field ambitions.
He said: “The vision is a sports campus. It will be the cornerstone of our plans for the future and will build on the potential of other projects which we have already delivered and which are creating a legacy for the community.
“We will be going for planning permission in the spring and we are encouraged by the response to the pre-application process. We aim to have spades in the ground within a few months of permission being granted.”
Dr Sewell is also chair of Sewell Group, which works across investments, consultancy, data mapping and intelligence, construction and facilities management and revealed a deal in January 2022 for the naming rights of Rovers’ stadium, Sewell Group Craven Park.
In December 2022 he was appointed chair of the club and charged with leading a new board to work alongside the club’s chief executive, Paul Lakin, and support the owner, Hull-based solicitor Dr Neil Hudgell.
Among the recruits were David Kilburn, the co-founder of MKM Building Supplies, James McNicol, managing director of London-based Oil Brokerage Ltd, and Becky Oughtibridge, director of professional services at Sewell Group.
Another member, Ian Richardson, brought international experience in sectors including law, health and beauty. He has now stepped down having retired from his other business roles, but said he remains excited about the club’s potential.
Richardson added: “I have really enjoyed my two years on the board and would highly recommend the experience. An exciting potential is being realised, and I will follow future progress with pride and fondness.”
Dr Sewell said: “Ian has made a significant contribution at a pivotal time in our development. His calm and considered approach will be a hard act to follow.
“We will look for someone who fits the culture and shares our values and passion for revitalising the club, the wider game, and hence the community.”
