Millwall complete freehold purchase of Calmont Road training ground

Millwall have completed the freehold purchase of their training ground at Calmont Road.

Since the sale and leaseback of Calmont Road in 2006, annually, the club has been suffering a significant financial burden to rent the site and therefore limited its options to develop the training ground.

With the previous lease due to expire in 2026, the freehold purchase of the site provides short and mid-term certainty of tenure, and now free of lease terms and potential significant rental increase, the club has the ability to explore its long-term strategic options around both first team and academy training centres at its own pace.

Over the summer, a considerable financial commitment was made to improve Calmont Road’s pitches with new stitching and drainage installed. Plans are already underway and being implemented to upgrade its facilities for players, management and staff, including a new recovery suite, changing rooms as well as office and presentation space.

Millwall’s managing director, Mark Fairbrother, said: “This is another really positive step in what is a very exciting time here at Millwall.

“Purchasing the Calmont Road training facility in its entirety frees the club from a heavy rental commitment each year, and the reliance on the Berylson family to continue funding that significant cost.

“Under the club’s ownership, we can proceed with our exciting plans which are ready to go, modernising the site and making it a training facility which drives the club’s core values of hard work, family and togetherness. This a signal of the club’s commitment to player development.

“The progress at our two West Kingsdown sites is gradual but costs continue to rise. In the meantime, it is imperative that we are focused on ensuring our current training ground has the best facilities possible for the here and now.

“I thank our owner, James, and the entire Berylson family for their unwavering support on this project and incredible commitment to this football club.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD