Millwall chairman John Berylson has warned the football club’s survival is under threat, as Lewisham Council pushes ahead with plans to seize land around the stadium and sell it on for development.
The Labour-led council is seeking the mayor’s approval to use a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to strip Millwall of the land which is currently on lease to the club and home to the Lions Centre.
In an open letter to Lewisham Council Mr Berylson said the decision, due to be made by the mayor and cabinet on Wednesday evening, will decide the future of the club and the Millwall Community Trust.
He wrote: “While we continue to fight every week to return to the Championship, off the pitch we face a challenge which threatens the club’s very survival.”
The council wants to sell the land around the stadium, known in planning terms as New Bermondsey, to property developer Renewal Group Limited.
In his letter published online Mr Berlyson said the club is against the council’s plan because it wants to be a part of the area’s regeneration, rather than an onlooker.
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Millwall chairman John Berylson urges Lewisham Council to reconsider.
He said the club has its own “fully developed plans” for a regeneration project including nearly 400 homes, which he claims Lewisham Council refused to consider when they were submitted in 2013.
Mr Berylson wrote: “Our proposed scheme provides for The Millwall Community Trust to have new premises alongside our stadium where it belongs.
“It will not be charged rent, neither will it be obliged to share its facilities, as would be the case if it is kicked out of The Lions Centre and moved to Renewal’s proposed new sports complex which is still largely unfunded and may never get built.
“Our community scheme is widely regarded as one of the best in the football fraternity and we intend to keep it that way.”
Mr Berylson also raises several questions about the viability of Renewal’s scheme, and the developer’s track record in carrying out major development projects.
He said “at the very least” the club should be given the chance to present its proposals to the council.
In March 2012 the council granted Renewal outline planning permission of the site for mixed use development comprising up to 2,400 homes, hotels, businesses, shops and leisure facilities.
Lewisham Council has been contacted for comment.
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