Lifeline for Spalding United? South Holland District Council report recommends finding suitable tenant for Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field ‘for at least seven years’

Spalding United has welcomed a report that could eventually lead to them leasing the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.

South Holland District Council is currently considering whether to find a suitable tenant for the field, which could allow the club to avoid demotion and continue playing at the ground.

A report is due before its Performance Monitoring Panel next Tuesday, with a final decision expected at a later full council meeting.

Leigh Porter, the club’s CEO, expressed the club’s optimism and willingness to take up the lease if offered.

He said: “We have aspirations to grow and develop the club and we feel that we could sustain National League football at that facility, but that physically cannot happen without improved facilities.”

He emphasised the need for immediate action, with the report giving a deadline of the end of the season, which was back in May.

He added: “The deadline is probably now, so I think we need to start working on the ground as of tomorrow.”

The club’s current facilities, particularly the playing surface and changing rooms, have been a cause for concern.

The only area that has seen development and investment is the on-site clubhouse, which has not received any complaints.

Porter highlighted that without improved facilities, the club’s further development would be hindered.

There could even be the threat of demotion to a lower league if facilities deteriorate.

Spalding United needs floodlight upgrades at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field to meet the FA’s minimum lux reading requirements.

The review identified that clubs with leased or owned grounds have better access to grants and funding opportunities.

It was warned that the club would struggle to secure the necessary funding without a lease agreement.

The report also said: “Some members were unhappy if the cost of FA stipulated upgrades… for the benefit of Spalding United, were met by South Holland District Council”.

The council’s report recommends seeking a suitable tenant for the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field for at least seven years, with a fully ratified contract.

However, it does not name Spalding United specifically within the recommendation.

The new tenant would be responsible for complying with the terms of use and maintaining the facilities.