Herefordshire Council is exploring options for developing student housing at Hereford FC’s Edgar Street stadium.
The development is likely to be in relation to plan to redevelop the Blackfriars End of the stadium that has been closed for several seasons.
Documents shared by Herefordshire Council this week said:
“Review the opportunity to develop student accommodation on the College Road Campus site in the College Ward and Edgar Street Football Stadium in the Widemarsh Ward.”
Herefordshire Council had recently confirmed that they were in talks with Hereford FC about redeveloping the Blackfriars End of the stadium.
Press Release from Herefordshire Council:
Herefordshire Council has committed to detailed discussions with Hereford Football Club officials about the current lease on the Edgar Street ground, with a view to offering a long-term lease in the near future.
This would secure Hereford FC’s home in the city for decades to come and provide vital security as the club seeks to continue their development on and off the field.
This announcement comes after discussion between Hereford FC and the council in the past two weeks and in addition to offering a long term lease, the Council will also be exploring options for how the Blackfriars End could be redeveloped to increase capacity and help secure the viability of the stadium.
Councillor Harry Bramer, Cabinet Member for Community services and assets, said:
“2025 will mark the ten-year anniversary of Hereford FC and I can think of no better way to recognise this milestone than by having the long-term future of the club secured at Edgar Street in plenty of time prior to that. I am delighted that the council will be offering a long-term lease to Hereford FC and I hope that this will give the club the security they need to grow and develop in the years ahead.
“Every Hereford FC fan knows that the Blackfriars End of Edgar Street has been in a state of disrepair for too many years now and I can confirm that plans are under discussion for the redevelopment of this part of the stadium, with a view to bringing a project forward in the New Year. Hereford FC is a vital partner in this process and we will ensure they are included in every stage of the project development.”
Hereford FC Chairman, Chris Ammonds, said:
“Our recent meetings with Herefordshire Council have been very positive and I would like to thank them for their support and positivity in relation to Hereford Football Club.
“A longer-term lease would enable us to start applying for grants to help develop and improve the stadium and help secure the club’s future. So to hear direct from the council about their willingness and ambition to agree a long term lease in the very near future is brilliant news.
“It is clear the council is very much aware of, and appreciates the benefit that this club has for the local community, the City of Hereford, and the County as a whole. There is a real feel good factor around Edgar Street at the moment and long may that continue. Securing our long-term future here would be another fantastic boost and a hugely significant moment.
“We are also excited at the prospect of working closely with the council to develop the Blackfriars End, which as everyone agrees, is in much need of development.
“We are in the process of arranging further meetings for early in 2024 and along with the council, we are committed to providing updates on our joint progress as soon as we are able to.”
