THE DREAM of a creating a new £25-million stadium for all-conquering Saints takes a huge stride towards becoming reality today (Thursday) as long-awaited plans are submitted to St Helens Council.

A deal has been signed between developers Langtree, Saints and Tesco for building a 17,980-capacity stadium and a supermarket on the former United Glass site at Peasley Cross.

Backers of the project say this is the chance to give St Helens' champion team and the town the 21st century sports venue we deserve.

And this week the St Helens Star and Saints are uniting to kick off a campaign which calls on everyone in town to back the stadium bid as it strives to win planning permission.

The quadruple champions' chairman Eamonn McManus says Saints fans will have a "critical role in demonstrating the town's support for a new stadium".

Today the Star can reveal:

Saints' aim is to have a stadium that is among the best in rugby league.
  • The £25m-plus funding package for the stadium is in place
  • The new stadium would be a mixture of seating and terracing, with 10,380 seats and 7,600-standing.
The stadium roof will be similar to the shape of a halo.
The planning application could be heard by St Helens Council in November, but it could potentially face a public inquiry.
If all goes to plan developers hope Saints will be playing at the new site in mid-2010.
The scheme includes the Tesco store at Chalon Way being redeveloped for high quality shopping and Knowsley Road being flattened and replaced with houses.

Further coverage of the stadium

See a video interview with Eamonn McManus

Exlusive pictures of Saints stadium

Reaction from Saints chairman Eamonn McManus

Further reaction from McManus

All the reaction from key figures in the town

Read about the community focus of the stadium

Have your say on the stadium