Council officials refuse to comment on progress of £220,000 dispute with Posh stadium owner
Council chiefs are staying tight-lipped over the state of a dispute with the owners of the Peterborough United football stadium relating to a £220,000 payment.
The local authority revealed in September 2024 that it was pursuing what it claimed was an outstanding payment relating to the sale of the football stadium by the council to London Road Peterborough Properties Ltd (LRPPL).
The council said at the time that the outstanding amount was one of a number of yearly payments that were part of the deal agreed in 2021 by LRPPL to purchase the London Road-based stadium.
The arrangement was expected to be concluded by March this year.
A spokesperson for Peterborough City Council said: "Matters relating to any discussions between the council and London Road Properties Peterborough Limited on money owed to the council are confidential and it would not be appropriate for us to comment publicly."
The council’s refusal to comment - it has previously threatened to take legal action as part of the dispute - comes as action is stepped up to secure a new 25,000 seater football stadium and community venue in Peterborough.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Mayor Paul Bristow has just announced that he is seeking government help to accelerate the construction of the new stadium and community venue.
Mr Bristow says he is seeking an opportunity to meet with government ministers to discuss how Peterborough United Football Club and Cambridge United Football Club could form part of future phases of the government’s Stadium Regeneration Accelerator programme.
The programme, which does not provide direct funding, brings together sports organisations, politicians and civil servants, and seeks to find ways to remove obstacles to the development of new stadia and help attract investors.
It is part of a new government vision that views sporting events and facilities as being able to play a crucial role in driving economic growth.
Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony has been contacted for a response about the £220,000 payment.
He has previously said: “I don’t comment on ongoing contract disputes but remain committed to reaching an agreement with all parties re the stadium and the stadium company.
"It will all get sorted.
“This has nothing to do with the football club as it has a long term lease which is always up to date per its lease.”