County Ground joint purchase moves a step closer to completion

The joint venture purchase of the County Ground has reached the exchange stage and the deposit has now been paid. Total Sport’s Joe Acklam reports on the development in the stadium purchase.

The purchase of the County Ground has moved a step closer to completion after contracts have been signed and exchanged between the joint venture company and Swindon Borough Council.

In addition to this, a deposit of £230,000 has now been paid, making the deal legally binding, and the purchase can now move forward, with it set to be completed by March 2023 at the latest.

Swindon Town Chairman, Clem Morfuni, said: “This is massive for the football club and a significant step forward, as it means the joint venture is now fully committed to completing the purchase over the coming months.

“We’d like to place on record our sincere gratitude to the Nigel Eady trustees who have been so supportive throughout this long process.”

The £2.3 million purchase will be completed using the funds from the Nigel Eady Trust, an amount left by Nigel Eady, a lifelong Swindon fan who died in January 2012 and he left the money to be used for the long-term benefit of the club and local community.

This stadium will be owned in an equal fifty-fifty spilt between the club and TrustSTFC, and the purchase allows the rent to be reduced, as well as allowing for improvements to be made to the ground, initial plans include improving two stands and building a hotel and conference facility on the Town End in the next five years.

TrustSTFC Chairman, Steve Mytton, said: “On behalf of all supporters, we would like to thank Nigel Eady and all his trustees for funding this historic purchase.

“Upon completion, we can ensure the County Ground is developed in the best possible way for the benefit of both the club and local community.”

Councillor David Renard, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, added: “I’m extremely pleased to see the County Ground will soon be in the hands of the football club and its fans.

“This is a deal I’ve wanted to get done for a long time and getting it over the line is all thanks to the fantastic work that has taken place behind the scenes from colleagues at the Council, football club and the Supporters Trust.

“This is a huge moment for the club and the fans, and I’m sure it will prove to be a pivotal point in its history.

“I know the football club and the Trust have big plans for the ground, and I’m very excited to see what comes next, both on and off the pitch.”