Gorebridge club's planned stadium move

Arniston Rangers are planning to move from their rundown Newbyres Park home to a brand new stadium at nearby Birkenside Park.
Newbyres Park, Hunterfield Road Gorebridge, the current home of Arniston Rangers FCNewbyres Park, Hunterfield Road Gorebridge, the current home of Arniston Rangers FC
Newbyres Park, Hunterfield Road Gorebridge, the current home of Arniston Rangers FC

Although the plans are still at an early stage, concerns have been raised within the local community about the move, with a special meeting of Gorebridge Community Council to be held on the matter next week.

The Gorebridge club hopes to move because it can’t afford the estimated £750,000 renovation costs to bring Newbyres Park up to standard. The club previously planned to move to Gore Glen. The sale of the current ground will fund the new build. And the club plans to introduce direct access to the Birkenside site from the A7 to allay local parking fears.

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Despite repeated attempts by the Advertiser to speak to Arniston Rangers, the club has declined the opportunity to comment.

Birkenside Park Gorebridge, which could become the new home of Arniston RangersBirkenside Park Gorebridge, which could become the new home of Arniston Rangers
Birkenside Park Gorebridge, which could become the new home of Arniston Rangers

Local councillor Jim Muirhead (Lab) can see the positives in the proposed move. He said: “Many people have raised with me the lack of an all-weather pitch in Gorebridge like those located in many other areas in Midlothian.

“The proposal from Arniston Rangers to relocate to Birkenside has the potential to meet this demand, while helping to safeguard the future of the club.

“The provision of a facility like this could occasionally inconvenience some residents, wherever it is located. All that Arniston Rangers are asking for is that people don’t rush to judge and weigh up the advantages against the inconveniences before taking a view.

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“Before a decision is made on any firm proposal the people of Gorebridge would need to be consulted and a planning application would be required during which people would have further opportunity to have their views considered.”

Gorebridge Community Council plans to discuss the proposed move at a special meeting on Tuesday, June 5, 7-9pm at Birkenside Pavilion. Secretary Catherine McGill said: “We have not yet come to a decision as a community council on whether we support the move or not. There are people from Birkenside who are dead against it, and some are Arniston supporters who are obviously for it.”