BURY Football Club is offering investors the chance to lease a car parking spot — in a bid to raise cash without having to sell off its assets.

The initiative, which is being run by Surrey-based property firm Principal International, is offering fans and investors alike the chance to invest £9,995 into the lease of one of 292 car park spaces, in return for a range of financial benefits.

As part of the deal, investors would receive a nine per cent net return on their investment every year for a 10-year period, which would be worth £899.55 a year.

In addition, investors would be offered an option to sell the space back after five years for 10 per cent more than they invested, or for 15 per cent more than they invested after 10 years.

The agreement would be similar to having a leasehold agreement on a house, with investors owning the space, but not the land itself.

The firm said that the club would retain a buy-back agreement, in case they needed the land to build on in the future.

Football club bosses say that the investment opportunity has already received a lot of interest, from investors abroad as well as from local people.Glenn Thomas, Shakers’ chief executive, said the scheme represented an innovative way of raising funds, without having to sell off the club’s assets.

He said: “As part of our long-term strategy for the club, we are constantly looking at ways to optimise potential revenue opportunities that will be of benefit to the future financial security of the club. The car park at the club provides a stable yield and strong investment proposition for fans and investors alike.

“Combining both match day income with events and concerts, the car park is a vital part of this strategy.”

Mr Thomas said the scheme is designed to help fund the club’s plans for the future, some of which could be revealed at its annual general meeting, the date of which is set to be confirmed this month.

He added: “Bury FC is entering a new phase, with significant investments being made in the club’s facilities. This is part of the club’s drive to expand Bury FC, developing additional revenue streams for the club.”