Derry City and Strabane District Council’s committee has given in-principle approval to the potential sale of the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium and surrounding facilities.

Elected members endorsed a recommendation on Tuesday that the stadium, Showgrounds, Anne Street Car Park and Greyhound Track could be sold, subject to council policy, market valuation and extensive stakeholder engagement.

The decision follows a request from Derry City FC to purchase the stadium. Council officers said disposal would have to be at market value, with Land and Property Services carrying out the valuation.

People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin was the only member to abstain. He said the club deserved its own stadium but expressed concern that not all stakeholders had been engaged, making it difficult for him to endorse the proposal.

Separately, committee members approved £156,000 for a seat replacement programme in the Southend Stand after a condition survey warned that capacity could be further affected without intervention.

Another £48,000 was agreed for a new Changing Places facility to improve accessibility for supporters with severe disabilities and meet building and equality regulations.

The club itself will fund a £200,000 LED floodlighting upgrade to meet enhanced UEFA standards for European competition, as well as the installation of a new electronic scoreboard.

Any future disposal decision remains subject to the council’s Asset Acquisition and Disposal Policy and necessary statutory and governance processes.