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Search forVetch Field future could look to past
Thursday, September 25, 2008, 07:59
The much-loved Vetch Field could be remembered with a memorial feature on what was the ground's centre spot.
Fans would be able to visit the monument — possibly including old turnstiles and the stadium clock — which would form part of a public space, an important part of the scheme for residents.
The masterplan, which would see 120 homes built on the site, has been approved by Swansea Council's cabinet and will now go out to tender.
Sandfields actress Helen Griffin, whose has starred in Twin Town and episodes of Gavin and Stacey and Doctor Who, said she was thrilled by proposals for an open space. She said: "If there is definitely going to be a public area, hopefully with some green space, I will be very pleased.
"And the Swans played there for so long, it will be good to build something to remember that.
"I would also like to see a plaque there to commemorate footballers' trying to kick racism out of the sport."
The approved plans have been three years in the making. The Vetch has sat empty since Swansea City played their final match at the ground on May 11, 2005, and moved to the new £27 million Liberty Stadium in Landore for the start of the new season. The switch brought an end to 92 years of footballing history.
Swansea Council leader Chris Holley said: "The Vetch Field has staged some of the most memorable sporting occasions in Swansea's history, and this is why it's important the masterplan includes a feature that commemorates its past.
"Extensive consultation with people in Sandfields informed the preparation of this masterplan and led to the inclusion of a state-of-the-art community centre in the proposals.
"We're committed to meeting the aspirations of people local to the Vetch Field and this will lead to an exciting development on the fringes of a city centre that already has so much to look forward to."
Last year, Sandfields residents were asked what they wanted to see happen to the historic site.
A key component of the plans was a community centre. The well-worn St Phillip's Community Centre would close on completion of the development.
The masterplan highlights the importance of creating safe "home zones" with reduced speed limits. Other areas for potential development have also been pointed out in plans, including St Phillip's Community Centre, the car park in Clarence Terrace and the Recorder Street playground.
Councillor Gareth Sullivan, Swansea Council's cabinet member for economic and strategic development, said: "This masterplan has left no stone unturned and will lead to another positive venture in Swansea.
"The next stage involves putting the plan out to the marketplace and we'll be looking for tenders that are dynamic, vibrant and contemporary."
Residents who gave up part of their gardens to build the Vetch will also be given the chance to buy back the land.
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