MILLWALL are planning a multi-million pound redevelopment of The Den after winning their battle to stay in Bermondsey.
The Lions feared they would be forced out of south London under previous proposals to regenerate the area around their stadium.
Millwall hope to upgrade The Den to a 30,000-capacity modern stadium after being allowed to stay in BermondseyCredit: Lewisham Council
Council chiefs have been forced into a U-turn after efforts from fansCredit: Lewisham Council
This would have seen land currently leased by the club sold to developers.
But protests by the club and their fans — who even fielded a candidate in the 2017 General Election to highlight their cause — have forced council chiefs into a U-turn.
Under new plans, Millwall are set to redevelop the land themselves as part of the overall New Bermondsey regeneration scheme.
The Lions, who are among the pack of Championship clubs chasing a play-off spot, will look to increase the capacity of The Den from 20,000 to 30,000.
Boss Gary Rowett has transformed Millwall into play-off contenders since taking over in October, as they now sit 11thCredit: Alamy Live News
BOOST FOR PREM BID
They also want to build a hotel and a community centre on the site, as well as a two-storey underground car park.
Club chiefs hope the project will boost their future bid to become a Premier League club.
The Lions were formed in 1885 on the Isle of Dogs in east London. They moved across the Thames in 1910 and have been in their current home since 1993.
Millwall are in advanced talks to obtain a new long-term lease for the land.
The work, which will be done around the current stadium structure, could be completed within five years.
A club spokesman said: “The conditional land sale agreement has been an obstacle to progress in the development of the Surrey Canal Triangle because it has hampered Millwall’s preparation of plans for the land around the stadium.
“Millwall Football Club are delighted that the land sale agreement is terminated.
“This opens the way for an urban regeneration project that can transform for the good of this community.
“We look forward now to agreeing a new lease with Lewisham Council which enables us to develop new plans for the football club, its stadium, the adjoining land, our Community Trust and, ultimately, the whole community.”
Work on the rest of the New Bermondsey project is due to commence shortly.
It will see the construction of 3,500 new homes and a new London Overground station next to the stadium.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
