England's oldest football ground at risk as breakthrough in two-year planning row threatens relocation

The ground displays a blue plaque near the home turnstiles commemorating this remarkable achievement.

Club officials have long harboured aspirations to construct a purpose-built facility at Braywick Park, and fresh negotiations with Windsor and Maidenhead Council appear to have breathed new life into the project.

The proposed development would see the Magpies swap their home of 154 years for modern facilities better suited to contemporary football requirements.

The relocation scheme encountered a significant obstacle two years ago when the council's administration refused to release open space at the park, temporarily halting progress.

However, renewed dialogue with local authorities has rekindled hopes for the move.

Chairman Peter Griffin disclosed at a supporters' forum this week that councillors will revisit the Braywick Park proposal.

The breakthrough follows concerns about the original positioning at the park's front, which critics argued would compromise the area's open character.

Club bosses have since identified an alternative site towards the rear of Braywick, near existing public amenities and the refuse facility.

The envisaged stadium would accommodate 5,000 spectators, with 2,000 seats and dedicated changing facilities for both men's and women's teams.

A hybrid playing surface combining natural grass with artificial elements forms a central component of the design.

Chief executive Jon Adams told the Maidenhead Advertiser: "We're not looking to create a facility that is a seven-day-a-week astroturf that's being used for lots of community sessions.

"What it's going to be is a football stadium which enables us to play more competitive football at the ground.

"The benefit of a hybrid pitch is that we can play two, three, four or five games a week on the pitch as a minimum. It will provide access for our junior teams, who never get to play here."

Maidenhead United intend to organise several focus groups addressing matters such as stadium design and biodiversity considerations at Braywick Park.

A boundary assessment of the park will also be undertaken to identify potential additional improvements.

The Royal Borough's cabinet is scheduled to convene on January 27, 2026, when councillors will determine whether to endorse the revised stadium proposals.

Should officials subsequently issue an open space notice, a public consultation would follow before a definitive ruling on disposing of the current site at a meeting on March 3.

If the council grants approval, the club plans to swiftly submit a comprehensive planning application.

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