Beleaguered Bury FC fans have been offered a rare piece of festive cheer with the news that a fan-backed bid to buy the club's former home has been granted funding.
Bury Football Club Supporters Society will be handed £1m to bid for ownership of Gigg Lane, from the government's Community Ownership Fund.
But, the group will only get the money if they can raise the equivalent amount themselves.
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If the deal goes through, the fan group will buy the 12,500-seat ground from the administrators of Bury FC before it can be snapped up by developers.
The aim is to transform the stadium into a cherished asset for the whole community, providing facilities for the men’s and women’s teams, youth football, local schools and the public.
It has been over two-and-a-half years since the Shakers played their last game at Gigg Lane against Port Vale, before being ejected from the Football League under the stewardship of widely unpopular owner Steve Dale.
The club dropped into administration in November 2020, with questions about what would happen to the stadium next.
A deal is currently in place between administrators and a consortium led by fan group Est 1885 which gives exclusive rights to buy Gigg Lane.
However, this would need to be agreed before Christmas to avoid developers snapping up the site.
Speaking about the funding announcement, Coun Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury council, said: “Today an important milestone has been reached in the plans to bring Gigg Lane back into use. The council has been supportive of the bid to the Government and are delighted it has been successful.
“The next important step is to ensure the whole town is united behind one club - this is vital if we are to see the eventual return of the football league competition to the town. It is also critical if we are to make a success of returning to Gigg Lane. The council will continue to work with all parties to try and make this a reality.
“In addition, the council will consider making a financial contribution towards the costs of bringing Gigg Lane back into use; this will, of course, have to be underpinned by a viable business plan for both the footballing operation and the stadium site. We remain confident that with a united effort we can make a success of it.”
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said: “The collapse of Bury FC is a stain on English football and the result of the game being ripped out of the hands of the supporters and communities who made it what it is by big business and corporate interest.
“I pay enormous tribute to Bury’s supporters, who have shown incredible resolve in their fight to bring their beloved club back to life. By helping rescue the historic Gigg Lane stadium, we are helping to put power back into their hands and securing a cherished asset for the wider community.
“As we deliver on our central mission to level up the United Kingdom, we are backing community-led projects that bring people together, restore local pride and benefit towns and cities across the country.”
