A landmark development agreement has been reached between Millwall Football Club and Lewisham Council, following the Council’s Mayor and Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 8th May.
The agreement, which grants a new 999-year lease, allows the club to move forward with its exciting ambitions for the redevelopment of the land surrounding The Den, bringing to life the club’s long-term plans of the wider regeneration of New Bermondsey, which includes residential development.
This historic moment cements the legacy of John Berylson, and demonstrates the unwavering commitment of our chairman, James Berylson, and his family to both Millwall and the community.
The new lease agreement ensures Millwall Football Club remains at the heart of its local community, and extends to providing exciting opportunities to enhance the supporters’ matchday experience, develop new and existing revenue streams, and fulfil its huge potential on non-matchdays.
The club would like to thank Lewisham Council for their assistance and positive support to date.
Speaking about this major step forward, Millwall Football Club Chairman, James Berylson, said: “We are delighted that Lewisham Council has offered Millwall Football Club a new, long lease that will permit us to bring forward development plans in New Bermondsey for residential accommodation, a new community, and an ambitious football club.
I am particularly grateful to Lewisham Mayor, Brenda Dacres, and her predecessor, Damien Egan MP, both of whom offered friendship and support to Millwall and acknowledged our ambitions for the local community and our Club.
‘My family’s involvement with Millwall goes back almost 20 years. My father, John Berylson – who tragically died last year – from the outset had a vision and an ambition for the football club and its local community.
It has taken us a long time to reach this turning point but my father’s passion and dogged determination never dimmed and it’s a great sadness to all of us that he is not here today to witness this milestone moment in the Club’s history.
‘Alongside the significant new opportunities for Millwall, I see important new benefits for Lewisham and its residents. A new community with upgraded accommodation will generate higher living standards and a better quality of life. Greater prosperity will also increase returns to the Borough through new commercial, social and employment opportunities.
‘This landmark decision by Lewisham Council secures a long-term future for Millwall in the borough and, equally importantly, protects and enhances the Millwall Community Trust and its vital charitable activities in south-east London. Together with Lewisham Council, we can now start putting in place plans for improving The Den and its facilities, thereby enhancing spectator experience.
‘I took over as Chairman almost a year ago and I am now setting out new ambitions for Millwall and its community. At the heart of those ambitions is, of course, playing great football and I want us to be serious challengers for Premier League status. Why not? We came to within striking distance of the play-offs 12 months ago.”
Mayor of Lewisham, Brenda Dacres, added: “We are delighted to have reached a positive outcome, with a new, long-term lease that secures Millwall's future in the borough. This has been a long process, and I’m pleased we’ve been able to work together to secure the relocation of facilities for the Millwall Community Trust and support our shared ambitions for this part of Lewisham.
“I look forward to working with Millwall Football Club on their plans for the land around the Stadium, to unlock much needed homes as well as new leisure and community spaces.
“Both Millwall Football Club and the Millwall Community Trust contribute immensely to our local community and provide life-changing opportunities for so many in our borough. We look forward to continuing to support their important work.”
The club will continue to keep supporters up-to-date with further developments as and when they occur.
