Woking Borough Council enter agreement with Woking FC and property developer GolDev for stadium redevelopment and housing construction

By David Richardson
Woking Football Club and Woking Borough Council (WBC) have entered an agreement with the National property developer GolDev to allow for the development of the club’s ground and adjoining land with residential properties.
The Cards announced that investment had been agreed in May 2017 and since then The NLP revealed the investor was a property developer before publishing two weeks ago that a ‘yes or no’ decision on the deal would happen this month.
The NLP learnt of GolDev’s involvement three months ago but because negotiations were at a sensitive stage, the publication was asked not to reveal the identity of owner Wayne Gold.
Interestingly, and perhaps something that will make Woking fans cautious, is that Gold attempted a similar project with now National League South side Braintree Town in 2008 to move the club into a new stadium and build 500 homes nearby. The following year, Gold sought a second developer to help fund the stadium.
Subsequently, the plans were dropped before another attempt to build housing was made in 2015 – without the football club – but every councillor on the planning committee voted against the proposal following strong opposition from the Braintree Local Committee.
It is The NLP‘s understanding upwards of 250 flats would be built around the Laithwaite Community Stadium but that would depend on WBC’s “feasibility assessment”. A clearer picture of the development will be given once the study has been conducted.
Gold will understandably want to maximise profits from the flats and it will remain to be seen quite how much money will be invested into the club.
When contacted, WBC and Wayne Gold would not comment any further.
A statement on Woking’s website read: “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.
“Rosemary Johnson, Chairman of Woking Football Club, 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.”