New Lease of Life for Famous Training Ground


First City the Wolverhampton based National Property Consultancy acting for the Rugby Football Union are preparing to market a well known Wolverhampton landmark. For the last 17 years the Castlecroft Stadium site has been home to the RFU’s regional Schools and Referees Centre and has played a pivotal role in youth development. In recent years it has also hosted key stages of the Daily Mail School’s cup. What may not be common knowledge to many is that players such as Johnny Wilkinson, Ollie Barkley and Mike Tindall have all participated in the tournament and played at Castlecroft.

The site is no stranger to sporting stars as it was originally developed by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC as their training ground in 1949 by Stan Cullis. This was during the Wolves “golden years” and no expense was spared in creating a superb playing surface which even today is regarded as one of the best pitches around. There is also floodlighting to the main pitch area.

The Stadium gained a new lease of life in 1990 when the RFU took over the site and redeveloped the stand in conjunction with Tarmac. The well equipped purpose built facility provides excellent changing rooms, administrative offices and a 495 seater covered stand. On the first floor of the building are attractive open plan offices totalling approximately 219m² (2,358 sqft), incorporating a conference venue for up to 100 people externally there is a surfaced car park with space for approximately 75 cars.

As part of a strategic review the RFU has, after much consideration, decided to vacate Castlecroft and is working with Wolverhampton based Property Consultants First City and the freeholders of the site Wolverhampton City Council to identify suitable organisations able to utilise the excellent facilities. As well as the obvious attraction to existing sports clubs parts of the building particularly the first floor offices may well be of interest to commercial organisations who would like offices overlooking a pitch on one side and attractive countryside on the other.

Initial expressions of interest are to be registered with Christopher Bywater of First City The Property Consultancy on 01902 710999.