The cost of redeveloping St Helen's cricket and rugby ground for the arrival of the Ospreys could top £5m, according to a Swansea Council report. The council's proposed investment would, subject to conditions, form part of a long-term agreement with the regional rugby side to use the seaside venue.
Council budget papers show £1m allocated to the St Helen's redevelopment project this financial year and £4.1m in 2025-26. In addition just over £1m is earmarked by the council to upgrade the cricket ground off Sketty Lane, where long-standing St Helen's tenants Swansea Cricket Club are expected to move after the end of August this year.
Asked by the Local Democracy Reporting Service how the council would fund the estimated £5.1m St Helen's project, and whether the Ospreys would be contributing, council leader Rob Stewart said: "The proposed investment would form part of a long-term agreement with the Ospreys to use a redeveloped St Helen's.
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"The terms of our proposed agreement with them would see us recover all of the investment over an agreed term. The council would retain ownership of the ground. Its redevelopment as a new modern venue would benefit not only the Ospreys but other local teams and would mean access and use for the whole community."
The Ospreys said they were increasingly excited about the redevelopment of St Helen's as the club progressed with planning work. A club spokesman said: "The council has agreed to an investment whereby there are certain criteria the Ospreys need to meet and, once done, redevelopment will commence. Y11, Ospreys' ownership, has consistently invested in all aspects of the club and will continue to do so."
The Ospreys have previously said they plan to move from the Swansea.com Stadium to a revamped St Helen's by next winter. Phase one of the proposed development would include a new 4G pitch, refurbishment of the clubhouse and terrace, and new stands.
This would be followed, if all went to plan, with the installation of a state-of-the-art training facility, including gym and office space, plus a training barn which would also be available for community use. Swansea rugby club and Swansea University would continue to play games at St Helen's. Final budget decisions for 2025-26 will be made by Swansea councillors at a meeting on March 6.
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