Barnet FC’s desire is to return to Underhill
Barnet FC’s Underhill Stadium Proposal: A Controversial Plan
Barnet Football Club’s ambitious proposal to build a new 7,000-seat stadium at Underhill is stirring debate. The planned development is located on Green Belt land, an area historically protected from construction. For Barnet Council to approve the project, they must be convinced that exceptional circumstances justify both granting planning permission and agreeing to lease or sell the land, which the council currently owns.
While some local residents and environmentalists are concerned about potential encroachment on green space, the club has emphasised that the project will not only be carefully landscaped to minimise visual impact but will also bring environmental benefits. The proposed site will incorporate significant tree planting along its eastern boundary, ensuring that nature-based views are retained. Additionally, biodiversity improvements will include rewilding efforts and the creation of a pond near the London Loop footpath, enhancing local wildlife habitats and managing surface water.
Beyond environmental considerations, Barnet FC argues that the new stadium would deliver a substantial economic boost to the area. The club chairman, Tony Kleanthous, has pledged to fund the £14 million construction cost himself. The club estimates that the project will sustain the equivalent of 78 full-time jobs, with additional part-time employment on match days. The return of Barnet FC to Underhill is projected to inject approximately £6 million annually into the local economy, including £2.1 million from increased spending at local businesses over a 23-week football season.
The economic case is particularly relevant given Barnet Council’s financial difficulties. The council previously expressed an ambition to develop a new leisure centre on the Underhill site, but funding constraints have stalled this plan. With resources stretched even for essential services, leasing or selling the land for a new stadium could present a viable alternative that benefits both the club and the community.
Community engagement is another key pillar of Barnet FC’s proposal. If the stadium goes ahead, the club intends to establish a charitable foundation dedicated to local outreach, supporting schools, grassroots football clubs, and even social initiatives such as a potential space for a food bank. Additionally, the club plans to open a diagnostics and imaging centre at the stadium, mirroring the highly regarded medical facilities available at their current base, The Hive.
Despite these proposed benefits, there remains uncertainty over the future of Barnet FC. If the council rejects the stadium proposal, the club’s long-term financial sustainability could be at risk. Attendance figures at The Hive, located between Edgware and Stanmore, have not matched the levels seen at Underhill before the club’s relocation in 2013. The current average gate is around 1,800, compared to an estimated 3,500 at a new Underhill stadium, with a capacity of up to 7,000.
Additional revenue from increased ticket sales and sponsorship could bring in an extra £1 million annually, bridging the club’s current financial shortfall. However, if the proposal fails, there are concerns that Mr. Kleanthous may not pursue another attempt to return Barnet FC to its traditional home. Without new investment, the club faces an uncertain future and could struggle to remain viable within the next four to five years.
For now, Barnet FC’s campaign—‘Bring Barnet Back’—continues to rally support. Leaflets are being distributed across the town, urging fans and residents to back the stadium bid. The timing could not be more critical: on the pitch, Barnet are enjoying a remarkable season, currently sitting at the top of the National League. The team remains unbeaten in 21 matches, holding a commanding nine-point lead after a stunning 5-0 victory against Yeovil Town at The Hive.
The question remains: will Barnet FC’s success on the field translate into success off it? The decision now rests with Barnet Council.