Delighted Institute get green light for Clooney Park West redevelopment

Institute’s search for a new home is finally over after they were named the Preferred Tenant for the redevelopment of the Clooney Park West grounds.

The club, forced to move from the Riverside Stadium in Drumahoe due to a devastating flood in August 2017, submitted a bid to the Department for Communities for use of the grounds at the end of January, having identified Clooney Park West as the optimum location for their new home.

‘Stute were hopeful of being named the Preferred Tenant by the summer, but that wish has been granted much quicker than expected, with the DOC taking just two weeks to make their decision.

This confirmation is the first step in what is likely to be a 3-year journey for the Club as they seek to relocate and bring forward the development of a state-of-the-art Community Sport Stadium and Well Being Hub in the heart of the Waterside. 

The absence of a place to call their own has been a significant obstacle for ‘Stute, who have been temporarily based at Wilton Park and now the Brandywell in the years since the flood.

But the days at the Brandywell now appeared numbered with work now set to begin on the Clooney Park West Community Sport and Well Being Hub.

Confirming the news, Bill Anderson, Chairman, Institute FC said;

 “We are delighted to be able to announce such positive news for our players, coaches, supporters, and the local community.

“It has been a long 5 years since we were forced to leave our ground in Drumahoe due to severe flooding, and then we had the Covid pandemic which really put everything on hold. Our club is extremely grateful to all concerned for enabling us to share the Brandywell Stadium during this difficult period.

“However, we can now look forward with anticipation and excitement to developing a firstclass facility for the whole community, and a new home for the Club, in Clooney Park West. As we strive to deliver our shared vision, we will remain committed to our community ethos, and we will continue to work closely with all current and potential stakeholders in bringing our vision to fruition.”