The development of a sport and retail village has got the go-ahead
18:07, 04 Feb 2026Updated 18:11, 04 Feb 2026
A site plan of the proposed development(Image: Hull City Council Planning Portal)
Hull KR CEO Paul Lakin has hailed a major milestone in the redevelopment of Sewell Group Craven Park after Hull City Council approved plans for the regeneration of the site.
A meeting of the council’s planning committee on Wednesday saw the plans rubber stamped as Rovers had hoped and expected, with the greenlight given for a major overhaul of the East Hull site.
As has previously been reported last summer, the development of Craven Park is to include a sports village complex as well as a retail village, with the build and opening of the 4G pitch behind the south stand the first steps into a major makeover of the site.
Initial plans included catering for sports such as netball, basketball, athletics and padel, with Rovers today confirming a national operator is in discussions over a padel facility.
Super League 2026 Preview ON SALE NOW
The new Super League season is upon us and to get you ready for kick-off we’ve got the essential season preview ON SALE NOW.
Packed full of exclusive interviews with the game’s big hitters on and off the field, we also profile the new faces to watch out for and predict the biggest stories of the year. Featuring exclusive interviews from all 14 clubs, features, analysis and predictions, Super League 2026 really is your one stop shop for the new season.
Purchase your copy today, or in participating retailers, supermarkets and independents newsagents from Wednesday, February 4, 2026. For online orders, postage and packaging applies. Online orders will be dispatched from February 4, 2026.
Retail chains Aldi and Home Bargains are to open retail stores, while Costa Coffeee is also expected on the site, with work due to begin later in the year.
‘We are delighted to hit this major milestone in the project,” explained Lakin.
“This allows us to press ahead with our ambitious plans, and apply for pots of funding to complete the development of the community side of this project.
“The club has achieved so much on and off the field in recent years, but changing the heart of East Hull for the better, forever, will certainly be one of the prouder moments for us all.
“The club facilities in particular will set up our on-field teams with an elite training facility, fit for purpose for a world class sporting environment. This will allow us to not only to further develop our own talent, but continue to attract the best of the rest for around the UK and overseas. It is a significant part of the jigsaw to ensure we create a legacy from everything happening around our great club at the moment.”