Gay Meadow - The Move To New Meadow

The Move To New Meadow

Whilst Gay Meadow was well regarded by fans, and traditionalists within the English game, the ground was in a cramped location, being situated between the River Severn and a major railway junction. In addition, access to the ground was restricted to a narrow side street (known locally as 'The Narrows). The poor access (and poor scope for evacuation in the case of emergency), meant that the capacity of the ground was cut to 8,000 by the early 1990s following stricter ground safety regulations that followed the Bradford City stadium fire of 1985 and the Taylor Report which followed the Hillsborough disaster of 1989.

In addition, the ground's proximity to the river meant the ground often suffered with flooding during autumn and winter months. This often caused the football club problems, especially in later years. Shrewsbury has suffered from some severe flooding in recent years; this led to matches being postponed, with the pitch being literally under the River Severn. The flooding also caused damage to offices and changing rooms.

Shrewsbury had been considering relocation since 1986, when plans were drawn up for a new stadium to the north of the town, with Sainsbury's being lined up to build a supermarket on the site of the old stadium.

However, with Shrewsbury later being relegated from the old Second Division in 1989, and with Sainsbury's developing elsewhere in the town, the plans were abandoned. During the 1990s, plans were made to redevelop Gay Meadow; however, with the poor access, capacity could rise to no more than 10,000.

In 1999, recently elected chairman Roland Wycherley released plans for a new stadium, provisionally titled the New Meadow, a 10,000 all-seater stadium situated on the southern outskirts of the town, between the Meole Brace and Sutton Farm districts of the town.

Amongst other things, considerable local opposition from residents delayed the planning and building process until Summer 2006, with the ground being completed in July 2007. The New Meadow boasts a 10,000 all-seated capacity, with the scope to expand to beyond 40,000 if necessary. In addition, the ground has far better transport links, more car parking, and, being well away from the river, is unlikely to suffer from flooding.