A MAJOR step forward in the future of Newport Football Club will be the demolition of its former ground, St George's Park, which will get underway next week.

Work to demolish the former Newport FC clubhouse, at St George’s Way, will begin on Monday (September 16).

The project marks an important step forward in the ongoing plans to build a retail park on the former football ground site — a scheme which will unlock funding for Newport FC’s new home off The Racecourse.

It has been a long and frustrating wait for fans, players, staff and volunteers for the project to get underway.

St George's Park is a sorry sight — derelict and overgrown with weeds.St George's Park is a sorry sight — derelict and overgrown with weeds. (Image: Robertson-Foster)

Newport in action at St George's Park in 2017.Newport in action at St George's Park in 2017. (Image: County Press)

The indication work will now get underway at St George's, will invigorate all the doubters who support Newport FC.

An announcement on the start date for both of these projects is expected soon.

The clubhouse has been deteriorating for several years, after the club found itself unable to maintain the facility.

Supported by development company South Coast Leisure (SCL), the club has, in recent years, been ground-sharing — currently at Beatrice Avenue, the home of East Cowes Vics — while plans for a new ground have been drawn up.

The new ground will feature its own clubhouse and grandstand, which will overlook an all-weather, floodlit pitch.

When not being used by Newport FC, the facility will also be available for community use.

The retail park will feature a mix of retail outlets — all household names, which will, between them, create a significant number of new jobs.

“Because of factors such as the Covid pandemic and then uncertain economic conditions, the whole plan has taken longer than any of us would have liked,” said SCL spokesperson, Paul Airey.

“But we are now entering the final stages, in terms of getting the agreements in place, and we will hopefully be in a position to make further positive announcements in the near future.

“In the meantime, the demolition of the derelict old clubhouse will be a visible and important step forward, both in terms of bringing a high-quality new retail offer to the town, and also giving Newport FC the sustainable new ground they deserve.”