Maidenhead United’s battle with the Royal Borough over its stadium move goes back to the council’s cabinet on Wednesday following pressure from club supporters.
The council reached an agreement with the Magpies in April 2022 for 3.7 hectares of Braywick Park to be leased to the club for a new 5,000 capacity stadium, subject to planning permission, but reversed that decision in July 2023 after the council’s place overview and scrutiny panel forced a rethink earlier this year.
July’s cabinet decision was made under the new LibDem administration amid concerns over lost open space and a valuation of just £460,000 for a 999-year lease.
Now two petitions, one disputing the council’s July decision with 2,119 signatures, and a counter petition supporting it, which is still open and has 1,098, have been launched on the Royal Borough’s website.
Officers have recommended councillors choose between two options at the cabinet’s December 13 meeting – to reconsider the July decision to block the deal or allow that decision to stand.
If Wednesday’s decision is to change what was previously decided, officers recommend councillors once again put up open space notices to publicise the possible disposal of the site.
The larger petition launched by Shay Bottomley and supported by the football club, called Move Us or Lose Us, argues the council did not take a balanced view in making its decision.
It stated: “For 150 years Maidenhead United FC has been a key part of the fabric of the town. The success of its men’s and women’s adults teams, along with the significant growth of its grassroots football and wider community activities means that its existing York Road ground is no longer fit for purpose.
“The disposal of the land at Braywick to Maidenhead United FC will deliver significant community benefit and will be advantageous to a range of stakeholders including the club & its supporters, Maidenhead Athletic Club and the council and the local community.
The second petition, launched by Douglas Watts called Protect Open Space and Maidenhead United, argues for open space at Braywick Park to be protected. It argues: “Disposing of this land would result in the loss of a vital community asset.”
It goes on to argue that Braywick Park is home to diverse flora and fauna.
The football club announced in October it had begun legal action against the council.
Image shows the Magpies’ current York Road stadium.
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