Southwark Council move to help save Dulwich Hamlet from property developers Meadow
Southwark Council will make another step towards saving troubled non-league club Dulwich Hamlet today.
In a meeting at 4pm this afternoon, the council’s cabinet is expected to unanimously approve a report into the acquisition of the freehold of the Champion Hill ground from its owners, which is one step towards a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO).
Meadow, an American property investment fund, last week evicted Dulwich Hamlet from the ground and have now set up new metal fencing outside to stop anyone from getting in. Meadow have always wanted to turn Champion Hill into flats, while building a new football ground next door, and have effectively been at war with Southwark and Dulwich Hamlet ever since they had to pull their planning application in October 2017. Despite having no chance of developing the site, Meadow have refused to sell, rejecting a bid of £10million from Rio Ferdinand’s Legacy Foundation just before Christmas. But with the future of the football club at stake, as well as the potential for new housing, Southwark have now stepped in.
Councillor Mark Williams, cabinet member for regeneration and new homes, has written a report recommending the acquisition of the freehold to Champion Hill to “enable the delivery of new council homes”, as well as to “secure the long-term future of Dulwich Hamlet”. After Cllr Williams and council leader Peter John have spoken today, the report is expected to be unanimously approved. Then Southwark director of regeneration Stephen Platts will be authorised to open negotiations with Meadow over a purchase. Meadow are expected to tell Southwark that the site is not for sale, as they told Rio Ferdinand’s Legacy Foundation just before Christmas.
But once negotiations have failed then a further cabinet meeting can discuss the next stage, a CPO, in which Southwark could forcibly buy Champion Hill from Meadow, save the football club and build council housing. “Officers are also seeking further legal advice on the statutory powers at the council’s disposal that would assist in meeting the council’s vision for the site should the council be unsuccessful,” says Williams’ report. “Such powers may include compulsory purchase powers.” Meadow are understood to be confident that they can resist a CPO.
