Supporters of Rotherham United were given an unexpected glimpse into the club's commercial operations when a unit inside their New York Stadium home appeared for rent on the property portal Rightmove. An agreement has now been finalised for the two-storey space, with the League One side continuing their fight to avoid the drop.
Stadium Unit Secures Tenant After Online Listing
The listing, managed by agent Commercial Property Rotherham, described a 6,188 square foot commercial unit available for immediate occupation. Photographs on the advert showed the premises, which features images of Rotherham players on its exterior windows, tucked within the contours of the stadium bowl.
It was marketed as suitable for a variety of uses including offices, retail, and leisure, boasting a flexible open-plan design and an accessible location. A rental agreement has been reached at a cost of £5,000 per month, equating to £60,000 annually.
Club's On-Pitch Struggles Contrast with Commercial Activity
This commercial deal comes as the Millers, managed by Matt Hamshaw, face a stern challenge on the pitch. After 24 matches, the team finds itself in the League One relegation zone, sitting four points from safety.
The club confirmed that the rental agreement only covers the specific commercial unit and that all first-team fixtures will continue to be played at the AESSEAL New York Stadium as normal. The stadium itself, which has a capacity for approximately 12,000 supporters, is rented by the club from R U Estates Limited, a company owned by chairman Tony Stewart's family.
Future of Club and Stadium 'Would Run Hand in Hand'
In comments reported by the Rotherham Advertiser, the club's chief operating officer, Paul Douglas, addressed the intertwined future of the club and its ground. While acknowledging a scenario where the club could be sold separately from the stadium was conceivable, he suggested any such transactions would likely be linked.
"I'm sure that Tony's got a great affection for the stadium, having been involved in its inception and its building," Douglas said. "But, at the end of the day, clubs and stadiums go together... I would imagine that, while there might be two separate negotiations, the sale of both would run hand in hand."
The Rightmove listing highlighted the wider 30,000 sq.ft of commercial accommodation available at the community stadium scheme, with approximately 15,500 sq.ft already let. The remaining vacant units are at ground floor level.
