It looks like this will be an expensive way to fund the development. What will the annual cost of the lease be? Likely to be starting in the region of £2-3 million p.a. just to repay the capital plus the profit for the 3rd party (and Council) plus any future increases in bank rate and annual inflation.
I note that the 3rd party will not only be lending the funds but also doing the development work. Therefore you have to ask is it a fixed price contract with time penalties or could it balloon in price and also be late in delivery?
It looks like security will be offered from the cricket side by using the income from stadium naming rights etc. Will this also apply to the rugby side?
Will the third party also be providing services to the new stands and if so at what cost and will this diminish the clubs earning potential?
At least there is the opportunity to pay off the lease for 1£ in 40 years and also to make lump some payments to reduce the annual rental costs.
It seems a big risk just to get a test match against Australia whose full potential income is not guaranteed (could be rained off or have an early finish) Could we not get assistance from the Lottery and the Sports council?