Whilst the focus at MSP is usually on bridge and more traditional residential development funding, our highly experienced team is able to offer bespoke finance solutions against more complex and unusual assets.
We are delighted to be providing the key piece of funding for the construction of the new Plough Lane Stadium for AFC Wimbledon. This project, 20 years in the planning is nearing completion and we can’t wait to see the club take to the field at their new ground in a couple of month’s time.
The Club
AFC Wimbledon was founded in 2002 by supporters of the former Wimbledon F.C when the old club relocated to Milton Keynes. Starting life in the non-league, the club has risen through the leagues, gaining 6 promotions and now play in League One of the English Football League.
The club was initially based in a shared ground at Kingsmeadow, but in 2017 received final permission to begin works on the construction of a new stadium on the site of the defunct Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium.
The Stadium Re-Development
Since its inception in 2002, AFC Wimbledon’s primary aim was to return to Merton, with the new stadium within 250 yards of Plough Lane where the original Wimbledon FC had played for over 80 years.
The new multi-purpose stadium has been designed with an initial capacity of 9,300, but ‘future-proofed with permission to increase the capacity to 20,000 seats as and when the club continues on their journey through the leagues.
MSP is financing the construction costs to complete the stadium, which includes over 90,000 sqft of hospitality, bars, retail, offices, and ancillary accommodation for the football club. The stadium is part of a substantial wider regeneration project as it will create a significant community and business hub for Merton, with the building of over 600 new residential properties.
“We are incredibly pleased that MSP Capital has agreed to provide the final tranche of funding to build a stadium our fans can be proud of. Their willingness to understand the project, listen to the story of AFC Wimbledon, and be open-minded when dealing with our multiple queries has made them a pleasure to work with. The club would not be in the hugely exciting position of returning to Wimbledon for the first time in nearly 30 years without MSP Capital.”
Tom Rawcliffe – Finance Director, AFC Wimbledon
Working in Partnership
The opportunity was introduced to MSP by London-based finance consultants Credit Square and the ongoing construction works are being undertaken by Buckingham Group Contracting Limited with completion due in Autumn 2020. MSP is delighted to partner with AFC Wimbledon and we are excited to be supporting this project to get the club back home.
MSP Capital can support a wide range of property lead development schemes providing bespoke finance solutions for projects ranging from flats to luxury houses; commercial units to football stadiums.
However challenging or indeed simple your development requirements, please get in touch to see how we can provide bespoke finance solutions for your project.
