Five years ago, Peterborough United announced plans that they were actively seeking to move from the Weston Homes Stadium. On board with the local council, the Posh revealed that the club planned to build a new stadium with an initial capacity of 17,500, with potential for future expansion.
At the time, the club didn't feel like investing in the existing stadium and deemed it not worthwhile. Although, in the years that have since passed, the new and exciting plans have never really taken off. The original aim was to be completed by the 2022-23 season, but with the 25-26 campaign well underway, it seems Peterborough are no closer to it being built than they were when the plans first came to light.
New mayor makes the new stadium part of his election campaign
As part of his election campaign, Paul Bristow has reignited hope that the stadium could be built after all.
Once appointed, the new mayor, Bristow, met with the club to discuss plans for a new stadium on Peterborough's embankment, which, as far as he is concerned, could combine as a major music venue in the area.
Speaking after he meeting, Bristow told local reporters:
“This was something proposed by the club a number of years ago and it's important that it is done in the city centre to breathe life into a city centre that's faced challenging times.
“We would get the benefit of football fans, concert goers and swimming pool users into our city centre to revitalise the economy.”
The club were more coy about the talks. Their Chairman, Darren MacAnthony, said:
“The football club is looking forward to working with Peterborough City Council and the new Mayor in the coming years on many different projects we feel will benefit the city.”
Peterborough United new stadium: What the new owner has said
The club itself has gone through plenty of upheaval over the past four years. In addition to fluctuating between League One and the Championship, the ownership of Peterborough United has changed hands.
Darragh MacAnthony became the majority shareholder in 2023 and he has reignited belief that a new stadium could be on the cards once again. MacAnthony's preferred destination for the stadium is on the Embankment and in a recent interview, he said:
“My missions are zero debt, a team worth £50-60m, stadium resolved, new stadium down the line, push up the leagues, a style of football our fans love and just growth, growth, growth.”
“We have a long-term lease on London Road, there’s nearly 20 years left on that. Me, Randy and Jason own the current stadium and we’re going to deal with that. I have said to both, if the new stadium comes up again, be involved.
“I’m happy for them to be involved. I still think it can happen. It isn’t down to ownership issues or debts, it boils down to the land and the council.”