Oldham Athletic Football Club's (OAFC) existing Boundary Park stadium is to undergo a redevelopment after a "historic" agreement was reached with the local authority.

The deal, which aims to safeguard the future of the npower League One club, incorporates a number of measures designed to provide "permanent solutions to long-standing issues". Oldham Council's cabinet backed the agreement on 1 August, which now paves the way for a new North Stand to be built at Boundary Park as part of the venue's regeneration.

It follows the collapse of the club's plans to move to the Lancaster Club site in Failsworth - now to be acquired by the council with a view to delivering a major leisure-led scheme. Oldham Council leader Jim McMahon said: "A key part of this commercial deal commits the club to regenerating its historic home at Boundary Park which - in most people's minds - has always been the preferred solution.

"As well as safeguarding our professional football club this deal has the added benefit of kick-starting regeneration projects at both Boundary Park and the Lancaster Club." Meanwhile, it has been revealed that the Charity Commission has now reversed its decision that had initially forced OAFC to scrap its plans to relocate to Failsworth.

However, the council has insisted that the commission's U-turn will have no impact on the agreement now reached with OAFC. Image: Mikey