Worcestershire: Club seek New Road alternative rather than replacement

“While we have successfully adapted to flooding for many years, it is becoming increasingly unmanageable,” said Giles.

“Each season, we face greater disruption, significant financial strain and mounting barriers to investment in our facilities.

“We have explored every possible option. This work has focused on two key areas: first, what options exist to mitigate or prevent flooding, including potential redevelopment, and second, what alternatives are available should we need to consider an additional venue to protect the club’s future.

“While our investigations into an additional venue remain ongoing, we continue to work closely with an internationally respected company to assess the critical questions of what, where, how, and when, for use alongside Visit Worcestershire New Road.”

Giles added that the club’s analysis has focused on two possible approaches: “learning to live” with the water, or attempting to stop it altogether.

He pointed out that long-standing Worcestershire member and resident flood expert Andrew Thomas had provided the club detailed records dating back to 2002.

“His data, supported by Environment Agency statistics, shows that flooding incidents have increased in both frequency and severity,” Giles said.

“The financial impact is considerable, spanning flood clean-up costs, relocations to venues such as Kidderminster, lost revenue from food and beverage sales, and the broader commercial impact of diminished venue confidence. Furthermore, redevelopment is subject to significant restrictions.

“Apart from the financial and regulatory challenges, our playing and practice facilities are facing long-term deterioration due to ongoing flooding. Expert assessments indicate that all pitches require complete reconstruction, a process that could take up to a decade to finish.”