Don Valley project could see Titans leave Rotherham

The new scheme was unveiled today which, following the closure of Don Valley Stadium later this year, will see a 26-acre development in the Attercliffe area.

There will be public consultation over the project and an in-depth feasibility study is to be launched with the project involving a new £15 million ground for Sheffield Eagles - and the Titans.

If it comes to fruition it will see the rugby club moving out of their home town after 90 years at Clifton Lane.

But it is understood that the talks are still embryonic and there are doubts over how much input the Titans could have in the project.

Titans have previously explored the prospect of moving to Sheffield in pursuit of more sponsorship and better crowds. Discussions were held two years ago to move the club to Don Valley but they failed to reach fruition.

The latest proposals involve sizeable financial outlay, despite the current economic squeeze, with the new stadium expected to const up to £15 million.

Former Sports Minister Richard Caborn also unveiled post-Olympic plans to redevelop the Woodbourn Road athletics arena.

But Mr Caborn said it has not yet been worked out how the new rugby ground would be paid for.

He added it could cost around £12m to £15m for an all-seater ground, although the amount could be reduced if some standing sections were provided in the stadium.

Cash could be raised by selling some of the existing Don Valley Stadium site for housing - with the rugby ground taking up a smaller footprint than the current venue.

Mr Caborn said redevelopment of Don Valley for rugby would not be viable because £7m would be needed for roofs for three stands, while the main stand needs a new roof, wiring and heating at a cost of £1.6m.

Mr Caborn added new bases could also be created for other professional sports such as basketball and snooker.