After nearly a year of considering options a cross-party task group has recommended a concept plan to show how Stompond Lane could be developed if Walton & Hersham Football Club and the Walton Athletics Club move elsewhere.
This would consist of a modest development that would open up extra public green space, provide new health facilities, high quality low density housing and secure the future of Walton Tennis Club on their existing site.
Cllr Chris Elmer presented a report from the task group which he chaired to the Cabinet on 13 February. This was was accepted and subsequently, with the reassurance that there will be full and extensive consultation, was agreed by full Council on 27 February. This will take place in late April/May.
The inadequate and deteriorating facilities at Stompond Lane would be replaced by creating a brand new football ground shared between Walton Casuals Football Club and Walton & Hersham Football Club at Waterside Drive next to the Xcel Leisure Centre.
New athletics facilities would also be built as a new home for Walton Athletics Club in time for the World Athletics Championships in 2017.
Cllr Chris Elmer said: “The future of Walton & Hersham Football Club and the Stompond Lane site has been a tricky issue since the lease expired in June 2004. The Task Group has worked hard to balance the need to find a future for the clubs with the need for sensitive proposals at Stompond Lane that generate the funds for replacement facilities at Waterside Drive. I think we have a very credible package to form the basis of further consultation and work.”