Lease agreement secures Football Club’s future for a further 25 years

Published: 29 July 2020

Exeter City has signed a new lease securing its future at St James Park for a further 25 years.

The land on which the stadium is sited is owned by Exeter City Council and rented by the football club. The new lease secures it for the club until 2046.

Council Leader Phil Bialyk attended a signing ceremony in the club’s boardroom alongside Nick Hawker, chair of the Supporters’ Trust, and Justin Quick, the club’s chief operating officer.

Cllr Bialyk welcomed the signing of the new lease and praised the role the club plays in the community.

He said: “Exeter City Football Club is an integral part of the city, and for many of us who grew up here in Exeter we are born to support the club and that is what we will always do.

“Exeter is one of only a few clubs in Europe to be owned by its fans. It is so important to keep the club inside Exeter and to ensure it remains here. The club has gone through some low times and some good times, and we should all do whatever we can here in Exeter to support our football club.”

Nick Hawker, chair of the Supporters’ Trust, said: ‘We are very grateful to the city council for renewing our lease and securing the future of football at St James Park. The signing of the lease shows the council’s commitment and in particular its belief in our supporter-owned model.

“We know these are strange times for football clubs across the country, but to know that we have the backing of our city council at this time is extremely heartening.”

Julian Tagg, club president and director of external affairs, welcomed the agreement. He said: “This is fantastic news for the club. We are very fortunate to have a great relationship with our city council and the extension of our lease for a further 25 years is welcome news for both the club and the city.”