County Ground sale APPROVED by Swindon Council
The deal is worth £2.3 million and would see a joint-venture ownership
Last updated 17th Mar 2022
The transfer of the County Ground from Swindon Borough Council took a big step forward last night (16th March), after the authority approved the sale of the stadium to a joint venture, comprised of Swindon Town FC and the Swindon Town Supporters Trust.
It means both parties will own a 50% stake of the site. 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.
The Trust's half of the deal has been funded by the late Nigel Eady, a lifelong Swindon Town supporter.
'Owning our own home with our fans'
After the announcement last night, the Club called the move a "huge step" forwards.
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.
The next step of the sale is to have the decision signed off by the Council's Scrutiny Committee on Monday (21st March).