Wrexham AFC finally take full ownership of Racecourse Ground after historic lease collapse

Wrexham AFC have taken another significant step in securing the long-term future of the Racecourse Ground after completing a landmark legal agreement.

The move gives the club full control of the world's oldest international football stadium as redevelopment work continues on the new Kop Stand.

Racecourse Ground lease collapse hands Wrexham full ownership

Wrexham AFC and the Wrexham Supporters Trust (WST) have officially completed the collapse of the Racecourse Ground's historic headlease and underlease, handing the club full operational ownership of its famous home.

The club purchased the Racecourse Ground freehold from Wrexham University in June 2022, just over a year after Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds completed their takeover.

However, that ownership remained subject to a lease held by WST Assets until 2115, with the Trust then sub-leasing the stadium back to the football club for 25 years.

That arrangement has now been brought to an end following lengthy discussions between the club and the WST, as per local reports.

New covenants remain in place until 2115 to safeguard the Racecourse Ground as a football stadium, while Wrexham AFC have paid the Trust £187,000, matching the amount supporters contributed to help save the club in 2011.

The club thanked the WST for its cooperation throughout the process, explaining that the discussions had taken time to ensure the legal agreements aligned with the wider funding arrangements for the stadium.

With the legal structure now simplified, attention can fully turn towards the ongoing redevelopment of the Racecourse Ground, including the construction of the new Kop Stand, which will complete the stadium on all four sides.

FGG says: A symbolic milestone for Wrexham's future

The redevelopment of the Racecourse Ground has understandably grabbed most of the headlines, but this is arguably just as significant behind the scenes.

Bringing the lease arrangements to an end gives Wrexham complete control of their historic home while protecting football at the ground for generations to come.

It is another important piece of the long-term vision that has transformed the club since the 2021 takeover.