Could Orrell RU return to Edge Hall Road?

Fans take souvenirs from Orrell's last game at Edge Hall Road in 2007

The club left their Edge Hall Road home in 2007 when owners, Wigan Warriors, transformed the site into a training base.

But the Super League club’s move to Robin Park last year has left the site vacant and unused.

There have been rumours the land may be sold for housing development, but a campaign has been launched to try and transform the site into a community and sports hub for the local community – which could see Orrell RU return to the venue.

Officials from the club have held talks with the Warriors and say they have been given “first refusal to come up with a proposal”.

Orrell RU have teamed up with Brighter Better Orrell to assess how much support there is for the project.

Residents are being asked to give their views through an online survey before February 19, here.

Once all the surveys have been gathered and assessed, they will help shape any business case that is presented to the Warriors.

Part of the online survey reads, “In conjunction with Orrell RUFC, Brighter Better Orrell would like to assess the level of public support there would be for returning the ground back to the community – for use by the whole community.

“A few months ago, the Wigan Warriors moved their training base to Robin Park and since then there has been much speculation about the future of the Edge Hall Road site. Several different scenarios have been mentioned including Orrell RU moving to the site; a local community facility or the (site) being sold for housing development – which would be the worst scenario for the people of Orrell.

“Over the last six months Orrell RUFC have discussed various options with Wigan Warriors and have first refusal on a proposal.

“It has been suggested that Edge Hall Road could become a true community hub; pitches used by Orrell RUFC and other local sporting teams; various community groups & organisations using the clubhouse for meetings, events, etc.”

In recent years Orrell RU have played their matches on pitches next to St John Rigby College on Gathurst Road.

Meanwhile, a crowdfunding appeal by Orrell raised more than £19,000 to help the club after it was hit hard by the pandemic.