Herefordshire Council and Hereford FC open talks about 'long-term future' of the club
A new long-term lease at Edgar Street could be agreed.
Herefordshire Council say they've committed to detailed discussions with Hereford Football Club about the current lease at their Edgar Street ground - with a view of offering a long-term lease in the near future.
The announcement comes following a series of talks between the two parties over the last two weeks.
In addition to the discussion of a lease, the Council also entered talks around the option to extend the Blackfriars End of the ground in order to increase capacity and help secure the stadium's viability.
Councillor Harry Bramer, Cabinet Member for Community services and assets, said:
“2025 will mark the ten-year anniversary of Hereford FC and I can think of no better way to recognise this milestone than by having the long-term future of the club secured at Edgar Street in plenty of time prior to that. I am delighted that the council will be offering a long-term lease to Hereford FC and I hope that this will give the club the security they need to grow and develop in the years ahead.
“Every Hereford FC fan knows that the Blackfriars End of Edgar Street has been in a state of disrepair for too many years now and I can confirm that plans are under discussion for the redevelopment of this part of the stadium, with a view to bringing a project forward in the New Year. Hereford FC is a vital partner in this process and we will ensure they are included in every stage of the project development.”
Hereford FC Chairman, Chris Ammonds, said:
“Our recent meetings with Herefordshire Council have been very positive and I would like to thank them for their support and positivity in relation to Hereford Football Club.
“A longer-term lease would enable us to start applying for grants to help develop and improve the stadium and help secure the club’s future, so to hear direct from the council about their willingness and ambition to agree a long-term lease in the very near future is brilliant news.
“It is clear the council is very much aware of, and appreciates, the benefit that this club has for the local community, the city of Hereford, and the county as a whole. There is a real feel good factor around Edgar Street at the moment and long may that continue. Securing our long-term future here would be another fantastic boost and a hugely significant moment.
“We are also excited at the prospect of working closely with the council to develop the Blackfriars End, which as everyone agrees, is in much need of development. We are in the process of arranging further meetings for early in 2024 and along with the council, we are committed to providing updates on our joint progress as soon as we are able to.”