Asset of Community Value Application

We are pleased to announce the result of the recent ballot of members under the question: 'Should the SWFC Supporters' Trust make an application, and aim to secure, ACV status for Hillsborough Stadium?'

The result was a clear 'yes' vote.

Please click here for a comprehensive list of Q&A regarding the process of applying for ACV status.

Details of the results are below.

• Votes for 'yes' = 277 (96.2%)
• Votes for 'no' = 11 (3.8%)
• Turn out 51.3% (288/561)

We thank members for the backing of the proposal,

Sheffield Wednesday Supporters' Trust Interim Board

Asset of Community Value (ACV)

What is an ACV? It is simply a label given to something (usually a building) that is seen to have value to a local community (examples libraries, parks, or football grounds)

Who decides whether somewhere is an ACV? It is applied for by a community organisation (in this case the SWFC Supporters' Trust) and decided upon by the council.

What happens if the Council say yes it is an ACV? There are various legal protections added to the site, perhaps the key one for Hillsborough is that status ensures the local community (Council and Trust) will be informed of any attempt to sell the asset by its owner.

What happens if the owner does want to sell Hillsborough? He/she can do so, but must let the Council know. The council can either say that the sale is fine, for example if it is being sold to someone who wants to continue using Hillsborough as a football stadium. They can also put a hold on the sale of up to six months (called a moratorium).

What happens if any sale is put on hold? Then the local community can decide whether it wants to bid for the stadium. There are various time frames related to this.

Is the aim of this process for the Trust or the community to buy the ground? No, it is very unlikely that the Trust or community would be able to raise the finance to buy the ground

So, what is the point? There are several reasons, but one key one is transparency. An ACV means there must be openness from any owner of SWFC over the ownership of the ground. The council must be informed in advance of any potential sale, and in turn the Trust, local community and fanbase. The ACV has a symbolic status therefore of the importance of Hillsborough to fans and the community.

Will this make SWFC less attractive to a new owner/investor? The ACV is not a barrier to the sale / new investment into Sheffield Wednesday football club.

What are the next steps? The Trust's members voted in favour of the Trust applying for, and aiming to secure, ACV status. The Trust will firstly clarify some points with the council, then look to put together a bid. In making that bid, we aim to gain the support of the club, politicians, the local community, and fanbase. If anything shows to us in that process that the application is wrong for SWFC, the community or fanbase, then we will return to our members and ask again. We are convinced so far that it is a positive step for all involved.

Where can I learn more? We've published an extensive Q&A previously. Alternatively, ask questions here and I'll try and answer. Even better, join the Trust!