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Next Game: Away At Bishop Stortford In The FA Cup On Saturday 28 September at 3.00pm

Friday, December 15, 2023

Major update on future of Blackfriars End as club promised long-term lease


Hereford FC are getting closer to a new, long-term lease at Edgar Street.

Landlord Herefordshire Council said it has committed to detailed discussions with the club about the current lease, which runs until 2030, with a view to offering a long-term lease "in the near future".

The council, which is now run by a minority Conservative administration, said this would secure Hereford FC’s home in the city for "decades to come" and provide "vital security as the club seeks to continue their development on and off the field".

As part of discussions over the past two weeks, the council said it would also be exploring options for how the Blackfriars End could be redeveloped to increase capacity and help secure the viability of the stadium.

That end of the ground, opposite the Old Market Shopping Centre, was condemned several years ago and it is not included in the current lease. It has occasionally been used to house a catering van for away supporters and the club can use it to access things like the water tanks which are behind the stand.

Earlier this year, Herefordshire Council also agreed to grant a temporary licence for the club to occupy the stand's "land and buildings".

This is in order to improve the facilities and welfare for away supporters.

Councillor Harry Bramer, cabinet member for community services and assets, said: “2025 will mark the ten-year anniversary of Hereford FC and I can think of no better way to recognise this milestone than by having the long-term future of the club secured at Edgar Street in plenty of time prior to that.

"I am delighted that the council will be offering a long-term lease to Hereford FC and I hope that this will give the club the security they need to grow and develop in the years ahead.

“Every Hereford FC fan knows that the Blackfriars End of Edgar Street has been in a state of disrepair for too many years now and I can confirm that plans are under discussion for the redevelopment of this part of the stadium, with a view to bringing a project forward in the New Year. Hereford FC is a vital partner in this process and we will ensure they are included in every stage of the project development.”