by Philip Nifield, Political and Busines Editor
CARDIFF'S booming economy is in line for an £80m-a-year windfall if Cardiff City cen reach the Premiership promised land in a new stadium.
The enormous impact on business in the capital of a successful team has been revealed in a special report commissioned by Cardiff County Council.
The findings are confirmed in a report by financial experts Deloitte & Touche.
Cardiff council leader Russell Goodway today revealed that a heads-of-terms agreement with Sam Hammam, clearing the way for the development of a 30,000-seater stadium at Leckwith, is very close to being signed.
Mr Goodway said: "All the indications-from the Deloitte's report is that a new stadium would have a positive impact on the local economy, something between £50m and £80m a year, and Leeds has been cited as example of a city where those sort of benefits have occurred.
" I spoke to the leader of Trafford council and she has made it clear that while the council does not make a lot of money financially from Manchester United, the economy benefits through the number of jobs created. It is estimated that a top-class football team in Cardiff could employ the equivalent-of 300 full- timers." Hotels, cafes and restaurants are likely to be the biggest beneficiaries, as well as additional income for the club.
The proposed agreement - including a clause on tackling hooliganism - with Mr Hammam was discussed last week at the ruling Labour group.
A special Cabinet meeting is expected to be held shortly when the go- ahead could be given to the deal. That would commit the council to making the land available for Mr Hammam's development.
The Bluebirds' owner would still need to carry out detailed studies on issues like highway improvements and obtain planning permission for the development, which could also be called in by the National Assembly.
Helen Conway, chief executive of Cardiff Chamber of Commerce, said: "Event days at the Millennium Stadium generate an additional £10m so the impact of a Premiership team would be spread over 20 or so matches a year.
"A Premiership team creates a positive image, excitement and the TV coverage to go with it.
"The greatest benefits would go mainly to leisure-related businesses but many coming to Cardiff for a match might be encouraged to return in the future with their family."
Mr Hammam has made it clear that a new stadium was crucial to Cardiff City's bid to reach the Premiership and its commitment to beating hooliganism.