KHIST Statement on Wyre Forest District Council (WFDC) announcement of Aggborough stadium sale of 28 January 2026 

Cabinet to consider stadium sale | Wyre Forest District Council

Kidderminster Harriers Independent Supporters Trust (KHIST) acknowledges Wyre Forest District Council’s announcement that it is considering the sale of Aggborough Stadium, the Hoo Road car park and the social club to Kidderminster Harriers Football Club. “KHIST welcomes the principle of the freehold being brought under the ownership of the club, led by Richard Lane, who stated on 31 October 2025: ‘Aggborough Stadium has been the home for our fantastic football club for generations and, as far as I am concerned, always should be.‘ 

In line with Mr Lane’s own position, KHIST believes that any sale must include robust covenants that guarantee the stadium and surrounding land remain protected for football use for generations to come. While the current ownership has expressed a genuine desire to preserve Aggborough’s future, future owners may not share the same values or long‑term vision. Without legally binding protections, this historic site, the home of Kidderminster Harriers Football Club since 1886 would be vulnerable to redevelopment pressures that risk displacing the club. 

KHIST therefore urges WFDC and the club to ensure that any transfer of the freehold includes the necessary safeguards to preserve Aggborough as the permanent home of Kidderminster Harriers Football Club.  

KHIST has received answers to the three key questions it asked WFDC and is sharing them with members and non-members. WFDC response is provided below each question. KHIST also sent to WFDC a document that outlined instances in which the Local Authorities did not implement covenants to protect the respective stadiums for sporting purposes and the impacts this had to the respective football clubs.

Q1). Could the Council advise on the current position regarding the proposed sale, acknowledging that you may be limited in what commercial details can be shared?

The Council has been exploring the available options for the site and there is a report setting out the proposal that is scheduled to be considered by Cabinet on 11 February. At this stage, we are limited in the commercial detail we can share, but we expect to be able to provide further clarity following that meeting. The report is already in the public domain as part of our scrutiny process and can be found here – doc61102_20260205_o_and_s_committee_agenda.pdf.

Q2). Could the Council confirm what safeguards are being considered for the site, and whether appropriate covenants will be applied to any future sale to ensure the land’s long‑term use for sporting purposes?

The question of safeguards, including the possible use of covenants or other protections, will form part of the terms to be negotiated with the relevant bidder. These considerations will be addressed as the process progresses to ensure that any future arrangements reflect the Council’s responsibilities and the community value of the site. We do reference overage within the report but no further specifics as these will form part of the individual negotiations and are subject to legal advice on the best possible routes.

Q3). Could the Council confirm whether any existing lease agreements relating to the land would be transferable in the event of a sale?

Any existing lease agreements would transfer to the new owner as part of the sale.