Stadium redevelopment a step closer as deal agreed

A football stadium renovation is a step closer after a housing deal was agreed that will finance the work.

Southend-on-Sea City Council said an agreement to build new homes at Fossetts Farm would "trigger phased payments up to £12m to refurbish and regenerate Roots Hall Stadium".

This would ensure Southend United Football Club could remain at its "historic home".

The council said funders had backed amended proposals and that a planning application for about 805 homes would be submitted by Thames Plaza, in partnership with the local authority.

It added that as well as "improving the financial terms for the council", the revised plans moved away from large blocks of flats to mainly "single-family" houses.

Jack Martin, representing Thames Plaza, said: "We have been working very closely with the council over the last few years to bring this development forward and this represents an important milestone."

A consortium led by Australian businessman Justin Rees completed a takeover of the National League club in summer 2024 after a deal with former owner Ron Martin was agreed.

Mr Martin had previously hoped to relocate the Shrimpers to Fossetts Farm, but consortium Custodians of Southend United (COSU) has confirmed the club will remain at Roots Hall, their home since 1955.

If planning permission is granted, the transfer of Roots Hall to the new club owners will be able to go ahead.

Club chairman Mr Rees said: "Now that this agreement is in place, we can progress our plans to transform Roots Hall into a modern, financially sustainable stadium that supports both our team's ambitions and the wider community."

Daniel Cowan, leader of the council, said: "Securing investment of this magnitude into the delivery of housing for our communities and in turn, big improvements for Roots Hall, is a huge vote of confidence in the city."

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