In a Bedford Independent exclusive, we can reveal plans to build a brand-new sports campus and football stadium on land at the Bedford International Athletics Stadium on Barkers Lane.
The new stadium will be the home of Real Bedford FC, replacing their current home at McMullen Park next door to Bedford Town and transforming the land around the athletics stadium.
Real Bedford are said to have investigated a number of sites across the town as they look to move away from McMullen Park and continue their ambitions to reach the Football League and the Women’s Super League.
They have settled on land surrounding the International Athletics Stadium.
How the project is being funded is not yet fully known, but the club did receive $4.5m in financial backing from American cryptocurrency moguls Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss in February 2025, which may be used in part for this latest expansion.
However, the Bedford Independent understands the project could represent an investment of £50m-£60m in the town and local sports.
Read: Winklevoss twins’ $4.5m “gift to Bedford” finalised
Plans seen by the Bedford Independent detail a dedicated Real Bedford stadium on the corner of Barkers Lane and Newnham Avenue, with 3G football and rugby pitches, indoor football, a padel centre and a multi-use sports centre.
There would also be space for the Real Bedford FC Academy and potential upgrades to the current athletics facility, which would be integrated into the campus.
Two brick tower ‘beacons’ on the site also nod to Bedford’s brickwork heritage.
Promises to work for the community
Asked for comment on the proposed plans for the new stadium, chairman Peter McCormack said: “Our ambition for Bedford has always been clear.
“We want to bring league football to the town and build a club that competes at the highest level possible. The journey so far has been incredibly positive, with both our men’s and women’s sides progressing through the leagues.
“At the heart of this project is creating opportunities for talented young footballers. We want boys and girls across Bedford and the surrounding areas to have a pathway to develop, compete, and succeed without having to leave the town.”
McCormack also hinted at transparent, open consultation with local people, which may include events and forums to gather public feedback.
“Delivering that [our plans] requires the infrastructure to match our ambition. We recognise that any plans for a new stadium must work for the community as well as the club,” he said.
“That is why we are committed to open dialogue – sharing our ideas, listening, and working collaboratively with residents and existing users of the current facilities to shape the best possible outcome for all.”
Next steps are unclear, but while it’s understood Bedford Borough Council is aware of the proposals, any plans will have to follow a formal planning process, with local residents and other stakeholders able to comment on the formal application for planning consent.
“We look forward to sharing more details in the coming months”, added McCormack.
Club statement
In a statement posted moments after this article was published, Real Bedford says its long-term aim remains to bring league football to Bedford and build a club whose men’s and women’s teams can compete at the highest level possible.
The club said that ambition also includes creating better opportunities for local young players and widening access to sport for people of all ages and abilities.
It said that, for several years, it has been exploring plans for a new stadium and supporting facilities, and described the recently revealed sports campus proposal as part of a wider vision for improved sporting infrastructure in Bedford.
According to the club, the emerging plans would create an integrated sports campus combining a stadium with community facilities intended for year-round use and broader public participation.
However, the club stressed that the proposals are still at an early stage.
It said no decisions have been made and no plans have been agreed with Bedford Borough Council, adding that the design, scale and layout of any scheme would be refined through consultation and technical assessment.
You can read the club’s statement in full on their website.
Real Bedford are back in Southern League action at their current home, the Ledger Stadium, on Saturday (28 March), welcoming fellow play-off hopefuls, Halesowen.
Update: This article was updated at 12:36 on 27 March 2026 to include the statement from Real Bedford FC
