Stockport County agree 250-year lease for Edgeley Park as club eyes return to football's big time

Stockport County have agreed a 250-year lease for Edgeley Park as the club eyes a return to the footballing big time.

The Hatters currently have a 25-year lease with the council, which acquired the freehold for the ground back in 2015.

After being taken over by Mark Stott in January 2020, the club created a seven-year vision to return Stockport County to Championship level - the second tier of English professional football.

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They presently top the National League and look poised to return to the English Football League for the first time since 2011.

Mr Stott has already made substantial investment in Edgeley Park, particularly in the main Cheadle End stand.

The ground's much-improved commercial facilities are a key revenue stream for the club.

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But having a relatively short term lease can inhibit investment and the ability to raise finances - even when the landlord is the local council.

So to support the Hatters' ambitions, the club and town hall have agreed the terms of a £2.1m long-lease of Edgeley Park to Stockport County 2010 Ltd - the land owning entity controlled by the football club.

The 250-year deal is set to be signed off by town hall chiefs at a cabinet meeting on March 15.

Jonathan