Relocation Update
NWE.UK.Ltd.
-pleased to be part of Marlow's future-
Relocation Project Update
Following the disappointing decision by the Planning Inspectorate to dismiss the planning Appeals back in February, the Club's directors have been reviewing options for a way forward. The Option and Sponsorship Agreements signed in October 2000 between MFC and North West Estates (NWE) were formally terminated by mutual agreement.
As is becoming increasingly commonplace in Non-League clubs are suffering from the constant financial difficulties and pressures involved in sustaining their current respective playing status and facilities and when representatives of Flackwell Heath Football Club (FHFC) made contact several informal meetings followed resulting in a realisation that mutual benefits could potentially materialise from the two clubs sharing resources at an appropriate venue and an informal understanding was prepared and agreed. It was jointly decided to invite NWE to discuss its potential involvement in a tripartite Agreement because of the development aspects that would inevitably result and because of NWE's substantial land ownership in the local area.
At a club EGM in May of this year the proposed arrangement with FHFC and possibly NWE was presented by the directors along with other possibilities and debated at length. Following recommendations by the directors the Club's shareholders agreed that discussions with FHFC and NWE should continue towards the preparation of a final draft tripartite Agreement. In giving the pros and cons very careful consideration the directors attached great importance to sustaining the on-pitch needs of the Club's youth section, Marlow FC Youth and the potentially great long- term benefits that the tripartite Agreement presented to MFC.
The Club's directors continued discussions with FHFC and NWE and progress on this was reported and debated at a Club EGM held on 8'" August 20 I O. Other options to secure the future of MFC were considered and debated but the majority of the Club's shareholders agreed the director's recommendation that the tripartite Agreement was potentially the most favourable option. The on-pitch needs of MFC's youth section will be an important aspect of any final Agreement. Further tripartite discussions ensued.
At a further EGM held on 22ndAugust the progress of the tripartite discussions were presented to the shareholders and debated. Upon a recommendation by the directors the decision was taken by an overwhelming majority of the attendees that the proposed arrangement with FHFC and NWE presented the most favourable way forward for MFC and that discussions should continue. A commercial Heads of Terms contract will be finalised and subject to final approval legally ratified by a full Agreement between all three parties.
In essence the arrangements would provide for FHFC to relocate together with MFC to a new purpose-built football complex at a suitable location within the local area, much along lines of the previous design and specification, subject of course to planning approval, with the two clubs retaining their separate football entities. All parties determined to work together in directing their energies to achieving this aim.
FHFC's ground and possibly MFC's ground would be sold to the developer, depending on whether planning permission can be obtained for a new football complex. It is intended that the on-pitch requirements of Marlow FC Youth will be provided for in these arrangements which will provide for sponsorship to both MFC and FHFC by NWE - albeit in the case of MFC at a lower level than previously. The financial future of both clubs would be secured by the potential capital realisation from these arrangements with the benefits of co-operation between the parties in a purpose-built facility aiding further the longer-term viability. In this respect commercial Heads of Terms are nearly finalised whereupon it will move to a legal ratification.
September 2010