Swindon fans have received positive news this week as the club announced that the deal to purchase the County Ground is nearing a conclusion, as it reaches the exchange stage.
The club have been working closely with Swindon Town Community Mutual Ltd (TrustSTFC on Twitter) and have exchanged signed contracts with their joint venture company, The County Ground Stadium Custodians Ltd, as well as Swindon Borough Council.
With this exchange, there has also been a deposit of £230,000 which means a legally binding deal is now in place, and all parties are now optimistic of a deal being completed by the end of March.
The funding for the acquisition of the stadium, totalling £2.3 million has come from the Nigel Eady Trust, a foundation set up in the name of Nigel following his passing in 2012. A lifelong Swindon Town fan, many have come forward to say it doesn’t get much better than this to cement Nigel’s legacy, some even calling for one of the stands within the ground to be renamed in his honour also.
The deal sees the club and supporters take 50/50 ownership of the stadium which sees rental costs drop by half as well as allowing the club to begin some significant developments on the ground itself, upgrading two stands and building a hotel and conference facility on the Town End in the next five years are already in the clubs plans.
Fans are optimistic about the partnership and landmark occasion, marking the first time which the club has owned the ground they play in and one Swindon fan spoke to us about their excitement.
“It’s a really exciting time for Swindon Town Football Club. We can finally call The County Ground our home for life.”
The partnership between the trust and the club also shows a new era of communication with fans as the fan went on to say.
“The purchase of a shared 50% between the club and the Trust ensures that there is a level of stability and security with both parties having equal rights.”
Fans are aware of what a momentous occasion it is for their club and are optimistic it will bring them forward and ensure they are not left behind and can keep pace with the teams around them in terms of facilities and development.
“Hopefully now we can push on with the development of the ground, bring it into the 21st century and ensure we can kick on as a football club. A state-of-the-art playing arena will attract attention on and off the pitch, and increase player recruitment and commercial sponsorships.”
It is an exciting time for both club and community at present in Swindon Town Football Club as they look to continue towards their promotion goal this season.
http://twitter.com/BatchStfc/status/1622615683669409798
http://twitter.com/Crystall_Tips/status/1622654087345872896
http://twitter.com/itslaurensharp/status/1622626355186630660
http://twitter.com/cyphnar/status/1622620711008215042
http://twitter.com/JSPhotographyUK/status/1622619898688970755
