Swansea’s historic St Helen’s Ground is shaping up for a new era ahead of its opening as a community stadium and the new home of the Ospreys.
Work on the new floodlights is progressing and a new pitch is being laid ahead of the transformation of the famous old ground for a new generation of sports fans.
The £7.6m project is delivering a modern sporting venue that respects the ground’s heritage while significantly enhancing facilities for players, supporters and the wider community.
The investment will secure the long-term future of this iconic community landmark with the new facility offering extensive community use alongside top-flight rugby.
Leader of the Council Rob Stewart visited the site to see the artificial pitch being laid for first-hand and said the new community stadium and home of the Ospreys will benefit the community and strengthen the local economy.
He said: “It’s fantastic to see the ground taking shape. You can already see the outline of the pitch with floodlights in each corner and the pitch is now being laid.
“The Ospreys are aiming to play their first home game at St Helen’s on 24 October against the Dragons, followed by Cardiff on 31 October, when fans will be able to experience the new home and a brilliant atmosphere for themselves.
“But it’s not just about the Ospreys. St Helen’s is going to be a vibrant community hub, supporting grassroots sport, schools and colleges, while promoting healthier, more active lifestyles across Swansea.”
Bringing the existing clubhouse into council ownership will provide modern changing facilities, accessible amenities and flexible indoor spaces for sport and wider community use, including non-sporting events and functions.
The new 3G pitch has been repositioned so that it will be closer to a newly refurbished terrace to improve the atmosphere and spectator experience. The 3G surface will allow the venue to accommodate significantly greater levels of use throughout the year, opening St Helen’s up to grassroots rugby, schools, colleges and wider community activity alongside the Ospreys’ professional rugby programme.
The existing stand is being relocated to the Mumbles end, with a new stand of close to 2,000 seats stand replacing it on the seafront side. A new fan zone and hospitality offer at the Guildhall end will create a focal point for matchdays and year-round activity.
Cllr Stewart said: “The new era for St Helen’s starts now. It’ll be home of both the Ospreys and Swansea RFC, ensuring elite rugby continues at a site that has been central to Welsh sport since 1876.
“On this ground, Wales hosted their first home international rugby match and the All Whites were the first northern hemisphere club to beat the All Blacks, the Springboks and the Wallabies. It’s a proud rugby heritage we’re delighted to see being developed for new generations.”
Roger Blyth, Director at Ospreys Rugby, said: “It is hugely exciting to see the progress being made at St Helen’s as we move closer to making it the permanent home of the Ospreys.
“This is a vitally important project for the club, not only giving us a genuine home for our players and supporters, but also providing a platform for the long-term future and ambitions of the Ospreys. It gives us the opportunity to build a stronger and more sustainable club, while ensuring St Helen’s remains at the heart of rugby and the wider community in Swansea.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the development continue over the coming weeks and, most importantly, welcoming our supporters from across the region through the gates for our first game at St Helen’s.”
As part of the project, the Ospreys are investing £2.6 million, securing a 50-year lease and are taking full responsibility for matchday operations to deliver a sustainable, high-quality sporting and commercial offer at the venue.
The scheme also reflects the evolving landscape of Welsh professional rugby. The upgraded facility will meet the standards required for URC and European competition.
