The deal, which was formally agreed today, will give Castlemore exclusive rights to work on the detailed planning application and develop the proposed project.

It will see the club move from its existing Blundell Park ground in Cleethorpes to Great Coates, on the North West outskirts of Grimsby.

The stadium will be financed through the development of an adjacent 150,000 sq ft retail warehouse development.

The new £81m venue will also include office and leisure facilities.