Quite often, a sports club owns the freehold or long leasehold of a fairly valuable parcel of land. They have become a target for supermarkets, house builders, industrial developers and land agents, and clearly, if conditions are suitable, a considerable sum can be realised in such a deal.

Many clubs have managed to sell their land and relocate with the proceeds, substantially upgrading pitches, practice facilities, clubhouse and changing facilities and STILL have a major element of interest capital at the end.

There are massive pitfalls, however, which have spelled disaster for one or two clubs. The following items MUST BE dealt with in order to avoid heartache :-

• Have you maximised the price being offered for your land ?
• Is the price being asked for a relocation site realistic ?
• Planning implications, on both your existing site and on the relocation site.
• Are there any restrictive covenants on either site that may hamper the deal ?
• Timing the move. Can a turnkey deal be agreed ?
• Grass growing seasons. This sounds silly, but plays a major role in a successful relocation.
• Specifications. Most importantly, is the specification for the sporting surfaces a good one, or a cheap one ?
• Designs and layouts. Are they what you want or are they an architects ego trip ?
• Is the relocation feasible ? All costs have to be taken on board, such as building costs, fixtures and fittings, ground-works, connection of services, sporting surfaces, practice facilities, lighting, non-recoverable VAT, capital gains tax, professional fees, transitional costs, etc., etc., etc.

Our company is experienced in dealing with all the issues involved in a relocation. Most importantly, we have a comprehensive insurance cover to protect the club from any unforeseen problems. The biggest mistake made by an amateur club is to attempt to handle the deal via its own committee. Our advice is to seek professional input ('horses for courses') at a very early stage. This will ensure that from the outset, the deal can be structured to the club's requirements and that professional's insurance cover will protect against mistakes.

Decisions made now - not on a whim - for the next 60 - 70 years. Grandchildren's children!

We will visit to discuss possibilities on an initial no fee basis. E-mail us now !

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