SOUTH Lanarkshire Council has expressed concern at the recent announcement that Hamilton Academical Football Club is to relocate its games outside the town.
The Scottish Championship club last week announced in a statement that it planned to play at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld next season, citing that the terms of the new draft lease for New Douglas Park were ‘so far unacceptable’.
The statement continued by stating that the long-term aim is to build a new stadium in Hamilton, with discussions with South Lanarkshire Council already being underway to identify a suitable location.
The issue was raised as an urgent item of business at a recent South Lanarkshire Council meeting, with support from all groups for a motion that pledged the council’s support for keeping the club in Hamilton.
The motion read, “Council notes with concern the recent announcement by Hamilton Academical Football Club regarding its relocation from New Douglas Park to Broadwood Stadium. Council recognises the historic and cultural significance of Hamilton Academical Football Club to the town and the wider South Lanarkshire area, and acknowledges the vital role it plays in community cohesion, youth engagement, and the local economy.
“Council confirms its support for keeping Hamilton Academical FC within the town and commits to working constructively with the club, and relevant partners, as the club explores options for securing a suitable, long-term home for the club within Hamilton.
“Council further notes that, in the club’s public statement, it confirmed that discussions have been initiated with South Lanarkshire Council to identify suitable land within Hamilton for the construction of a new stadium. In light of this, council agrees that officers will keep elected members updated at regular intervals, should there be any developments with those discussions, but respecting the confidential and commercially sensitive nature they may have.”
