The leasehold of the iconic Odsal Stadium in Bradford has been put up for sale by the Rugby Football League (RFL).
The RFL currently leases Odsal, which is the home of Odsal Motorsport and the Bradford Bulls rugby league team, on a 150-year term from Bradford Metropolitan District Council on a peppercorn rent.
Odsal Motorsport has a licence running until 2041, which allows it to host up to 20 events per annum. The current combined income from the two occupiers is approximately £125,000 per annum.
Robert Graham, the RFL’s director of finance, facilities and central services, said: “The RFL purchased Odsal in January 2012 because of a specific set of circumstances, which at the time involved a real danger that an historic venue for Rugby League could be lost to the sport.
“This was never envisaged as a permanent position for a national governing body, and after acting as custodians for more than a decade, and with two tenants in Bradford Bulls and Odsal Motorsports, the circumstances have now developed sufficiently to explore options for sale.”
Jonathan Hyland, partner in Knight Frank’s Leeds office, who is advising the RFL on the sale, added: “This is an absolutely fantastic opportunity to acquire one of the most famous sporting stadia in Yorkshire. Odsal has a wonderful history and is one of the jewels in the crown of the city of Bradford.
“We expect a good deal of interest in this sale, given Odsal’s reputation, high-profile and location. Once a preferred buyer has been chosen, they will be granted a period of exclusivity during which they will be required to agree terms for a formal lease with the Bradford Bulls.”
