Barnet FC can today announce that formal permission for their relocation to The Hive in Edgware has been granted by The Football League.
The Football League Board met on Thursday of last week to discuss the issue, subsequent to a Football League request last year seeking confirmation of the club’s playing venue for next season.
The club accelerated negotiations with Barnet Council to extend the tenure of Underhill Stadium but to no avail and this disappointing lack of co-operation and support left Barnet FC with no option other than to finalise their move to The Hive. Consequently, in the new year the club applied to The Football League for formal permission to relocate which has now been granted.
It is now full speed ahead in getting The Hive upgraded from a small youth stadium to a venue that is ready in time for next season.
The stands on three sides will be completed as originally envisaged and the club is finalising negotiations with London Underground which will allow them to build a new 2,500 seat stand adjacent to the railway line on the west side of the ground.
The enlarged stadium will have a capacity of approximately 5,100 – with 3,500 seated – in line with the previous planning approval for the site.
Further progress and updates on the construction will follow along with photos and video footage in the coming weeks on barnetfc.com.
Chairman Tony Kleanthous said, “We waited until the last possible minute before applying to The League as I was not prepared to take this action until we had exhausted all avenues with Barnet Council. I have kept the Supporters’ Trust fully appraised of the discussions and, at their request, even the last minute intervention of Barnet MP and Cabinet Minister Theresa Villiers was unable to sway this intransigent Council.
“It has been a big week for Barnet FC. We are managed by Champions League winner Edgar Davids, yes that’s right Edgar Davids, and we hosted five-time World Cup winners Brazil, yes that’s right Brazil. There can be no better statement of our intent and with the new facilities at The Hive and extra investment in the squad we are looking forward to the future. So let’s all get behind the team, the move and the club.”
