Trust members reject bid to redevelop stadium

Members of Swindon Town’s supporters’ trust have blocked the redevelopment of the Nigel Eady County Ground.

The football club had asked permission to install executive boxes and hospitality amenities in the Don Rogers Stand.

The ground is jointly owned by Trust STFC and the club, with each holding a 50% stake. While the vote earned the required proportion of members voting, it only received 478 votes in favor, falling short of the 717 votes required.

Swindon Town Football Club stated that, while it respects and accepts the democratic process, it was “naturally disappointed that shareholder consent was not granted”.

The trust, whose members voted earlier this month, stated that the Nigel Eady County Ground is “in desperate need of redevelopment following decades of neglect”.

However, it acknowledged that the “result of the vote was not unsurprising, given the consultation feedback”.

“Nonetheless [it is] disappointing that improvements cannot proceed at this time,” the statement said.

‘A moment to reflect’

Members’ top issues were a lack of faith in the club’s ownership, a lack of clarity regarding funding, reservations about a “risky” business model and design, and a lack of an overall masterplan.

“With this in mind, the trust board are committed to working with the club to find solutions to the issues highlighted above,” they stated.

“As we have said repeatedly, restoring good governance and meaningful dialogue will lead to greater trust in the ownership of the club.”

To grant consent, at least 50% of eligible members have to vote, with at least 75% voting in favor of it.

There were 1,263 trust members eligible to vote, and 955 of them, or 76%, did so.

However, with only 478 votes in favor of the plan, the club’s request was denied.

A spokeswoman for Swindon Town Football Club stated, “We are grateful to everybody who took the time to participate with this important topic, as well as those who contributed thoughtful feedback throughout the process.

“We will now take a moment to reflect on the result and review in due course.”