On Monday 30th January 2023, Simon Gauge (Chairman) and George Delves (Chief Operating Officer) attended a positive all parties meeting involving Rochdale AFC, alongside leadership representatives of both Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council (“RMBC”) and Rochdale Hornets.
The purpose of the meeting was to explore and discuss certain possible future operational changes to the 2016 Lease, which was put in place by both parties in March 2016 when the football club legally acquired the freehold of the ground outright. Rochdale AFC were delighted to participate to discuss the desired future growth aspirations of both Rochdale AFC and Rochdale Hornets, and the wider aspirations of Rochdale Council leadership, in supporting both sporting clubs to thrive in the town during 2023 and beyond.
The current lease in place runs until late 2039 and ensures that Rochdale Hornets can play all competitive home Match Day fixtures, as set out by the Rugby Football League calendar, at the Crown Oil Arena.
As shareholders and supporters know, as well as being an Asset of Community Value, the Spotland Stadium property is now fully protected by existing Companies Act resolutions and any changes to current property arrangements would require both sufficient Board approval, and then wider shareholder approval, to be given at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) before any changes could be made.
Further updates will be proactively provided to both shareholders and supporters as may be appropriate during 2023, should discussions continue to progress. However, these will not be before the start of the current 2023 Rugby Football League season which begins in a couple of weeks.