Boost for stadium plans as deal struck to buy land

PLANS for a new community stadium in Rotherham moved closer yesterday after it was announced that council leaders had agreed a land purchase.

By The Newsroom

Published 30th Apr 2010, 22:23 BST

Updated 30th Apr 2010, 22:23 BST

Members of Rotherham Council's cabinet have given officers permission to buy the land between the River Don and Centenary Way from a Leeds-based property firm, Evans.

Rotherham United unveiled plans earlier this month to build a new

stadium on the former Guest and Chrimes foundry site, but they are dependent on the deal going through.

The council's strategic director of environment and development services, Karl Battersby, said negotiations should be complete by the end of this month.

No figure is available for how much the council is spending, but Mr Battersby added: "It's a good deal all round."

Rotherham United have been playing matches at Sheffield's Don Valley stadium since the team was forced to leave its former home, Millmoor, in 2008.