Woking Football Club have agreed a deal with housing developer GolDev and Woking Borough Council that Cards chairman Rosemary Johnson hopes will secure the long-term financial future of the club.
Just weeks after local rivals Aldershot Town announced a similar agreement, the Cards have confirmed that the Laithwaite Community Stadium will be redeveloped with residential properties also built on the site.
The National League club, who parted ways with manager Anthony Limbrick last week, have confirmed the deal in a statement.
It reads: "An agreement that supports the long-term ambitions of Woking Football Club will be progressed following a decision by elected members at last week’s full council meeting (Thursday 5 April 2018).
"The council has agreed to enter into the agreement with GolDev and Woking Football Club.
"The development agreement allows for the development of the club’s ground and adjoining land. It will include the reconfiguration of the football ground and construction of residential properties. The first step will be to conduct a feasibility assessment which will be considered by the council in July 2018."
The club have been working hard over the past couple of seasons to secure further investment and chairman Johnson believes the deal with the council and GolDev is a good fit for the Cards.
She said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with GolDev and Woking Borough Council.
"This agreement ensures the long term security of the club, playing at Kingfield, by giving us the means to invest in our ground, our squad and continue our much-valued community work.”
Wayne Gold, managing director of GolDev, said: “I am hugely excited to be entering into this development agreement with Woking Football Club and the borough council.
"As a developer with many years experience, I look forward to working in partnership with all parties to develop exciting proposals that will secure the club’s growth.”
Cllr David Bittleston, leader of Woking Borough Council, said: “Woking Football Club is an important part of our community and heritage, bringing enjoyment to all ages. Supporting its long-term ambitions and securing the club’s financial future through this development agreement will bring many benefits to the whole community.”
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