A “constructive” atmosphere has been hailed in talks between Millwall FC, Lewisham Council and the property developer Renewal over regenerating the area around The Den.
Lewisham Council had previously sought forcibly to buy three plots of land surrounding the ground owned by Millwall FC for Renewal’s use, as part of the New Bermondsey development.
It sparked bitter recriminations between the council, club and developer and fears the club could be forced out of Bermondsey – but the past few months have seen “constructive and productive” discussions between the three parties.
As a result, the club’s “emerging plans” for The Den and surrounding areas will be incorporated into a revised joint masterplan for the development.
Damien Egan, mayor of Lewisham Council, said: “I am very grateful to Millwall FC and Renewal for joining me in what have been constructive and productive meetings over the past six months.
“There is still work to do, but I am pleased that we seem to be making progress towards our goal of bringing forward a development that has the support of our community.”
The plans for the Den have not yet been unveiled, but will be showcased at a public event in the coming months, the News understands.
Jordana Malik, Director of Renewal, said the developer had been meeting regularly with Millwall over the past eight months and said she was “greatly encouraged” by the progress that had been made.
She said: “The club is currently developing its proposals further and we look forward to more discussions and progress on this over the coming months.
“Renewal, Millwall FC and the London Borough of Lewisham are all in agreement that that the regeneration of New Bermondsey should happen.
“We remain committed to driving this forward and ensuring that it delivers significant benefits for the local community, the Football Club and the Millwall Community Scheme.”