Ex-EFL stadium left abandoned for nearly two decades finally set for demolition despite lease of life

One of English football's most recognisable abandoned stadiums could finally disappear after nearly two decades standing empty.

Millmoor, the former home of Rotherham United for more than a century, is now facing demolition despite recent efforts to bring the ground back into community use.

Rotherham United's former Millmoor home could be demolished

The Millers' spiritual home could finally be demolished after plans were submitted to clear much of the historic stadium almost 20 years after the club left.

The ground served as their home from 1907 until 2008, when a long-running dispute over ownership and redevelopment forced the club to relocate to Sheffield's Don Valley Stadium before moving into the New York Stadium in 2012.

Since then, Millmoor has remained largely abandoned, becoming one of English football's most well-known derelict grounds despite sitting just across the railway line from Rotherham's current home.

The stadium appeared to have been given a new lease of life in 2024 after owner Ken Booth Jr oversaw extensive clean-up work, allowing local youth football and Doncaster Rovers Belles to use the venue once again.

However, following CF Booth entering administration, ownership has passed to the Ron Hull Group, which has now applied to demolish several of the site's ageing structures.

According to the application, the Millmoor Lane Stand, Railway Stand and several adjoining buildings have deteriorated significantly after years of neglect, while the unfinished Main Stand has been exposed to the elements since 2007.

The developers argue the cost of restoring and completing the stadium would be uneconomical given the limited number of potential users. If approved, demolition work is expected to be completed by the end of January 2027.

FGG says: The end of an era?

For many Rotherham supporters, Millmoor remains the spiritual home of the club, making any demolition an emotional moment regardless of how long the stadium has stood empty.

Sadly, there comes a point where sentiment alone cannot save a stadium.

If demolition is approved, it will mark the end of one of English football's most poignant abandoned grounds and close the final chapter on a venue that served Rotherham for more than a century.