Hull KR Granted Council Approval for Major Sewell Group Craven Park Regeneration

Super League side Hull Kingston Rovers have received planning approval from Hull City Council for a significant regeneration project around Sewell Group Craven Park.

The wide-ranging development includes commercial expansion, with Aldi and Home Bargains set to build purpose-designed retail stores on the stadium site. The club has also instructed solicitors to progress discussions with Costa Coffee regarding the addition of a new outlet as part of the scheme.

Submitted in June last year, Hull KR’s proposals also feature three new training pitches — one of which will be allocated for community use — alongside additional outdoor sports facilities and refurbishment works at the Waudby Centre.

The club’s long-term ambition is to establish itself as the “biggest rugby club in the northern hemisphere”, with plans also including discussions with a national operator to introduce a padel facility in East Hull.

The approval follows a landmark 2025 season for the Robins, who completed a domestic treble by lifting the Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield and Super League Grand Final.

Last month, Hull KR confirmed the South Stand at Craven Park will return for the 2026 season, increasing overall stadium capacity to more than 12,000. While a temporary structure has previously been used at that end, a permanent stand will now be installed for the full 2026 campaign.

With planning permission secured, the club will now move to the next stage of the project, including finalising a Section 106 agreement with Hull City Council. Subject to completion of those processes, construction is expected to begin later this year.

Chief executive Paul Lakin described the approval as a “major milestone”, adding that the development would allow the club to pursue additional funding to support the community elements of the project.

He said the upgraded facilities would provide an elite training environment capable of developing homegrown talent while attracting players from across the UK and overseas, forming a key part of the club’s long-term legacy in East Hull.