Proposed £2.3 million County Ground sale is 'great opportunity' for Swindon, says Council Leader
Tonight the Council will decide whether to sell the stadium
Last updated 16th Mar 2022
The proposed £2.3 million sale of Swindon Town's County Ground is a "great opportunity" for the area, according to the Borough Council's Leader.
Tonight, the authority's cabinet will decide whether to sell the historic stadium.
The proposed buyer is a joint venture of Swindon Town and the Club's Supporters Trust. If the deal is given the green light, both parties will own a 50% stake of the site.
The Trust's half of the deal has been funded by the late Nigel Eady, a lifelong Swindon Town supporter.
'Great plans to invest in the ground'
The County Ground's future and longevity has been the subject of intense speculation in recent times, with purchase discussions between the Trust and the Council starting around seven years ago.
However, a protracted legal battle surrounding the ownership of Swindon Town has since caused negotiations to be delayed.
New owner Clem Morfuni completed his takeover of the Club in July last year. Following a turbulent period for The Robins, the Australian has been widely recognised as a steadying influence behind the scenes.
With the proposed sale having been a long time coming, Councillor David Renard believes the deal would now boost local residents.
"It's a great opportunity for the Club, the supporters and indeed the whole town because an improvement in the County Ground will help to lift that part of our town.
"The joint venture have some great plans as to how they want to invest in the Ground and improve the facilities for, not only for current plans but also future fans and visiting supporters," he told Greatest Hits Radio.
'Hopefully the Ground will have a very positive future'
The joint venture plans on spending £1 million upgrading the stadium's Stratton Bank, with work starting in 2024. Inserting a roof on the stand and improving the facilities for away fans there are thought to be the main priorities.
A further £20 million is also expected to be spent building a new Town End, conference centre and hotel, with that project getting underway in 2026 or 2027.
Should the joint venture fail to carry out the planned works, clauses in the proposed deal mean the Council could buy the stadium back.
Despite this, the Council Leader said he "very much" wants the sale to be approved by Councillors from all parties.
"Hopefully the Ground will have a very positive future in the ownership of the supporters and the Club owners," he added.
The Cabinet meeting gets underway at 6pm, with the County Ground sale being item 12 on the agenda.