Bury F.C fans handed £1m to buy club’s historic Gigg Lane stadium
Bury F.C fans were given a huge boost today after being handed £1m of government funding to buy the club’s historic Gigg Lane stadium.
The club, nicknamed The Shakers, was expelled from the English Football League in 2019 after 125 years of membership and placed into administration just over a year ago.
The vital funding has been awarded to Bury Football Club Supporters Society and will transform the 12,500 seater ground into a “community asset” providing facilities for the men’s and women’s teams, youth football, local schools and the public as well as an adult education facility.
The £1m comes from the government’s levelling up fund and comes following an application by fan group Forever Bury.
Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove said: “The collapse of Bury FC is a stain on English football and the result of the game being ripped out of the hands of the supporters and communities who made it what it is by big business and corporate interest.
“I pay enormous tribute to Bury’s supporters, who have shown incredible resolve in their fight to bring their beloved club back to life. By helping rescue the historic Gigg Lane stadium, we are helping to put power back into their hands and securing a cherished asset for the wider community.
“As we deliver on our central mission to level up the United Kingdom, we are backing community-led projects that bring people together, restore local pride and benefit towns and cities across the country.”
The Bury Football Club Company Ltd was placed in administration last November with the aim of rescuing it as a going concern, enabling the club to seek readmission to the football pyramid system.
In October a deal was reached with a consortium led by supporters group Est. 1885 to buy Bury FC and its Gigg Lane site.
Math Pickup, representing Forever Bury and Est 1885 said: “We welcome the news from the Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove, that our combined efforts with Forever Bury to receive the community ownership funding has been successful.
“This funding will allow us the opportunity to complete the purchase of Gigg Lane in order to bring football back to its historic home after a nearly 3 year hiatus.
“There are still a few steps left in the process and we hope to provide a further update in the coming days when the legalities have been completed but we thank all the fans for their continued support.
“We would also like to thank James Daly MP, Bury Council, Bury College and the football foundation for their support with our application.”
