Lewisham Council sign new 999-year lease with Millwall in advance of development
Lewisham Council have signed a new agreement with Millwall ensuring the club’s future at the New Den and paving the way for a major housing development.
Lewisham Council approved terms on 8 May 2024 with the council and club working together since and have now agreed a revised structure for a new 999‑year lease covering The Den and surrounding land.
The club will expand year‑round use of its facilities as well as push ahead with proposals to improve the stadium. It guarantees dedicated space for Millwall Community Trust, which delivers sport, outreach and employability programmes for local young people.
The stadium is set to be surrounded by towers bringing thousands of homes at the New Bermondsey development. It’s an ambitious plan with 3,500 homes from developer Renewal and a stadium which could see 34,000 seats.
Phase one includes 600 homes in three towers over the railway from the Den.
New station
A new station is set to be built on the London Overground at Surrey Canal Road whilst South Bermondsey station served by Southern trains should see improved access. It’s already seeing strong growth thanks to various towers on Ilderton Road.
Mayor of Lewisham Brenda Dacres OBE, said,
“We’re delighted to have reached this agreement and I want to thank Millwall Football Club and Millwall Community Trust for the constructive and collaborative way we have worked together to get here.
“This partnership has been central to enabling the potential for these once-in-a-generation improvements for our community, including much-needed affordable homes, new jobs, improved public spaces and better community facilities that local people can benefit from year-round.
“Importantly, it safeguards space for Millwall Community Trust, securing a purpose-built facility that will enable it to continue delivering vital programmes for young people and families in Lewisham and beyond for many years to come.”
Chairman of Millwall Football Club, James Berylson said,
“This is a defining moment for Millwall Football Club. Securing a 999-year lease at The Den gives us the stability and certainty every club needs to build for the long term.
“So much hard work, time and dedication has gone into reaching this moment after announcing the agreement in principle back in May 2024. I would like to thank Mayor Brenda Dacres OBE, and all at Lewisham Council, for their positive and collaborative approach. Together, we have secured an outcome that safeguards our home while supporting the wider interests of the borough.
“I would also like to thank the staff of Millwall Football Club and Millwall Community Trust, as well as many supporters and advisers, who have put their heart and soul into this. Their effort and commitment has been so important throughout this process, and I appreciate every single one of them.”
“The Den is at the heart of who we are. This agreement ensures that future generations of supporters will continue to call it home. It allows us to move forward with meaningful regeneration and long-term investment – creating jobs, enhancing facilities and delivering tangible benefits for local residents.
“Collectively our ambition is clear: to build a strong, sustainable future for Millwall, on and off the pitch. But above all, to dream boldly, to turn vision into reality, and to unlock the full potential of this great football club.
“My family shares that belief with our incredible supporters. This agreement gives us the platform to make it happen.”
