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1995: Sunderland gets green light for new stadium
The hopes and prayers of thousands of Wearsiders were answered in July 1995 – when city planners threw their weight behind a multi-million new football stadium.
Increased safety rules and regulations had left Sunderland's old ground at Roker Park both over-crowded and outdated, prompting the search for a new home.
A site at Washington was initially earmarked for the 120million project, but planning objections forced Sunderland Football Club to re-think that idea.
Eventually, following months of discussions, plans to build on the former Wearmouth Colliery site were announced – winning the approval of councillors.
News of the agreement was exclusively revealed in the Echo in July 1995, when the paper reported: "The site fits the criteria for the location.
"Planners are recommending councillors 'support the principle of developing the stadium at Wearmouth,' so long as a number of conditions are met."
Construction work had to be put on hold, however, to allow Tyne and Wear Development Corporation to investigate the suitability of the land.
Fears had been expressed that underground mineworkings could make the site unsafe for such a "massive structure" – but these worries proved unfounded.
Indeed, a "top-level" Corporation report released in February 1996 revealed the site had "little soil contamination", and was "not above any major mineworkings".
Bulldozers were eventually allowed onto the land in April that year, after Environment Secretary John Gummer gave the final official go-ahead for the stadium.
Leading Dutch construction firm Ballast Wiltshier were chosen to carry out the project, and Sunderland's majority shareholder Bob Murray told the Echo: "We will draw upon their skills, expertise and experience to ensure that not only is Sunderland the biggest new stadium – but also the best."
Sunderland played their last season at Roker Park in 1996/97, although sadly the club was relegated from the top flight on the final day, following a defeat at Wimbledon.
The hopes and dreams of Wearside fans were bolstered, however, by the move to the Stadium of Light in August 1997 – and so the battle for promotion began again.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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