Former EFL stadium left to rot for years could finally be demolished

Rotherham United’s former stadium could be demolished 18 years after the League Two club left the ground.

The Millers, who currently play in League Two, played home matches at Millmoor for 83 years before departing in 2008.

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In the near two decades since, the 8,300-capacity ground has been left largely unused.

Whilst the pitch and goalposts remain intact, the stands and buildings have become increasingly run down.

Despite renovation work in 2024, Millmoor could now finally be torn down if plans are approved by the local council.

It is hoped permission will be given to demolish the Millmoor Lane and Railway stands as well as surrounding buildings.

The floodlights would also be removed under the proposed plans, which could be completed by January.

Uncertain future

Despite being opened in 1920, Millmoor was last renovated in 2004.

The ground had remained under the ownership of former Rotherham chief Ken Booth despite his exit from the club the same year.

With new owner Tony Stewart unable to agree a deal for the stadium, the Millers left their old home in 2008.

The Booth family later renovated Millmoor before it was briefly reopened to the public last year.

Both Doncaster Rovers Belles and local youth football matches were subsequently held at the venue.

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However, CF Booth have since entered administration, with the Ron Hull Group acquiring Millmoor.

A statement released in May provided an update on the ground’s future, explaining: “The buildings and structures selected in the current application to demolish are all in a poor condition due to years of neglect and are suffering from a general lack of maintenance, specifically elements like roof finishes and the structures themselves.

“It is assumed this situation accelerated in the period since Rotherham United Football Club vacated the site.

“The current main stand is only partially completed, and has been exposed to the elements since at least 2007.

“The high cost of repair, let alone to proceed to complete this stand would be excessive given that there are very limited numbers of possible users of the ground. Thus meaning it is unbuyable.”

Rotherham’s new home

Following their exit from Millmoor, Rotherham spent four years playing at Don Valley Stadium, an athletics ground in Sheffield.

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The club finally found a permanent home in 2012 following the construction of the New York Stadium, half a mile from their old home.

They have continued to play at the 12,021-capacity stadium for the last 14 years.

In that time, the club have experienced five promotions and five relegations.

However, last season saw the club drop into League Two for the first time since 2013 just two years on from playing Championship football.