Stockport to agree 250-year lease for Edgeley Park

The lease would allow for further investment in the infrastructure of the ground and its facilities, according to Stockport County Football Club.

The football club has already invested more than £3m in upgrading the pitch, conference facilities, training areas and seating. The Hatters said it would focus next on building a new campus-style training and educational facility for the ground.

Under the lease agreement, Stockport Council would continue to hold the freehold of the ground. The lease, along with a possible wider strategic partnership between the council and the club, will be discussed at the council cabinet meeting on 15 March.

“Over the last two years, significant investment has been made into the club’s infrastructure, re-engaging fans and shifting the club’s position in the table,” said Stockport County FC chief executive Jonathan Vaughan.

“Now the club can focus on the long-term future of the club whilst having a positive impact on the town and its people, taking football into schools, providing better facilities for people to learn and train, whilst having a positive impact on the town’s economic growth.”

Stockport council purchased Edgeley Park in 2015 from Cheshire Sport Promotions. Stockport County FC is owned by property entrepreneur Mark Stott, who is also the founder of Select Property Group and chief executive of Vita Group.