New 12,000-seat stadium for Millers moves a step nearer

Rotherham Council’s cabinet committee has agreed to loan the football club £5m towards the cost of the £17.3m stadium, which will open in time for the 2012/13 season. The club itself has worked to raise £12m.

The new 12,000-seat stadium, to be built on the former Guest and Chrimes site, will not only host football matches but will also provide community facilities to be used throughout the year.

Rotherham United chairman Tony Stewart said: “From day one of my tenure at Rotherham United Football Club, Rotherham Council have been as determined as I to make this happen, not just for the football club but for our town.

“The final building blocks are now in place thanks to the support of a number of partners, particularly the local authority and Yorkshire Forward.

“Now we can all look forward to witnessing the stadium being constructed.”

Coun Roger Stone, leader of Rotherham Council, said: “The new community stadium is a key to the regeneration of Rotherham town centre and we have always supported the club and the wish to have Rotherham United back playing in the town.

“It’s fantastic that a local entrepreneur and the club are prepared to invest so much in the town and leave such a positive legacy.

“The terms of the agreement mean that there will be no cost to Rotherham’s council taxpayers, but our residents, schools, businesses and voluntary and community groups will reap the benefits for years to come.”