Bray signal intention to leave the Carlisle Grounds
Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)
Bray Wanderers have for the first time signalled an intention to move the club away from the Carlisle Grounds.
The club revealed ambitions to relocate to a new greenfield site outside Bray as they unveiled the points of a five-year strategic plan in line with FAI guidelines.
It envisions the creation of a 'state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence' for the Bray area as well as the construction of a 4,500-seater UEFA Category 3 Stadium.
The Seagulls recently agreed a deal to use of the old facilities of Bective Rangers in Stepaside, opposite intermediate side Wayside Celtic.
And they envision sharing the prospective complex with schoolboy side St Joseph's Boys, with whom they already have a formal link.
“We cannot operate a professional club without proper training facilities,” said chairman Denis O'Connor.
“The Carlisle Grounds has been a great home for the Seagulls but it lacks practice pitches, all weather pitches, proper changing facilities, even proper shelter for fans – and ultimately space for our teams to advance.
“This is about providing a facility for all Wicklow players – from Bray down to the borders of Wexford.
“And it will allow us to bring in international games and players – we want to put Wicklow on the map.”
The ambitious plan envisions a new facility that “should ideally be connected to Bray via the new extended LUAS.
“A site of some 20 acres is envisioned. In the new complex, the club proposes to erect a 4,500-capacity UEFA Category 3 stadium.”
The iconic Carlisle Grounds, situated on the DART line at the edge of the town, is the oldest-surviving ground in the league having been in continuous use as a sports venue since 1862.
The ground has been used by League of Ireland clubs in Bray for over 90 years when Bray Unknowns entered the league in 1924, and was resumed as a venue when Wanderers were elected in 1984.
The Carlisle Grounds is owned by the council but leased out to Bray Wanderers for use a football venue, although the ground has recently begun to host international rugby league games.
Editor's note: This article has been amended. The original claimed the club planned to relocate to a greenfield sight in south Dublin, which has since been clarified by the club.
