Bury council is set to contribute £450,000 to bring Gigg Lane stadium back into use.
The town’s Labor controlled cabinet have agreed in principle to work with the ‘Forever Bury’ supporters club to explore how the council can provide financial assistance to bring football back.
Earlier this month Bury FC’s bid to return to Gigg Lane and the football pyramid moved a step closer as contracts were exchanged for the sale and purchase after a group of supporters lodged a bid to acquire their iconic stadium, club, name and memorabilia.
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The completion is expected to be at the end of January, five months after the offer was made.
Last year, the Shakers were put up for sale by the club’s administrators after they entered administration in 2020 following their expulsion from the Football League a year earlier.
A report to Bury council’s cabinet, said: “Gigg Lane is an important community asset, and the council has been asked to help with the process of re-commissioning and redeveloping the ground.
“The proposals to re-commission Gigg Lane as a football venue are complex and the plans involve a considerable amount of risk and challenge.
“Given the community benefits associated with the project it is right that the local authority play a proactive role in working with the various stakeholders.”
On December 23 it was confirmed in writing by the Department of Leveling Up, Housing and Communities that the fan group had been successful in obtaining a grant of £1million, which is in addition to the potential council support.
The report also outlined the conditions to be met for the council contribution of up to £450,000.
It said: “The council has recognized that an outline economic and social case for financial support exists.
“However, if the council is to make a financial contribution of up to £450k towards the costs of recommissioning Gigg Lane there are several critical considerations which must be assessed.
“In return for a funding contribution the onus is upon the applicant to demonstrate that value-for-money is being obtained, that the investment is sustainable, and, fit for purpose, lawful and governance structures are in place.”
Talks between Bury Council and the ‘Forever Bury’ supporters society can now begin after the council’s leadership endorsed the proposal.
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