In a world of clubs announcing new stadiums, we now know that Millwall and The Den will be there to welcome in the next millennium.The Lions have officially signed a massive 999-year lease at their south London home until the year 3035.The New Den will be leased to Millwall for the next 999 yearsGettyThe deal, made between the club and Lewisham Council, will ensure The Den is protected as the historic home of Millwall but also allows them to create ambitious projects at the ground.With the legal side done, Millwall can expand their facilities which also aligns with Lewisham’s vision as a borough.Additionally, it gives the club the ability to expand their charity, the ‘Millwall Community Trust’, to have a greater reach in the local community.The south east London club’s chairman James Berylson said: “This is a defining moment for Millwall Football Club and Millwall Community Trust.“Securing a 999-year lease at The Den gives us the stability and certainty every club needs to build for the long term.“So much hard work, time and dedication has gone into reaching this moment after announcing the agreement in principle back in May 2024. I would like to thank Mayor Brenda Dacres OBE, and all at Lewisham Council, for their positive and collaborative approach.“Together, we have secured an outcome that safeguards our home while supporting the wider interests of the borough.“I would also like to thank the staff of Millwall Football Club and Millwall Community Trust, as well as many supporters and advisers, who have put their heart and soul into this.“Their effort and commitment has been so important throughout this process, and I appreciate every single one of them.“The Den and Millwall Community Trust is at the heart of who we are. This agreement ensures that future generations of supporters and wider community will continue to call it home.Millwall are currently sat in the play-off positions in the Championship“It allows us to move forward with meaningful regeneration and long-term investment – creating jobs, enhancing facilities and delivering tangible benefits for local residents.“Collectively our ambition is clear: to build a strong, sustainable future for Millwall, on and off the pitch. But above all, to dream boldly, to turn vision into reality, and to unlock the full potential of this great football club.“My family shares that belief with our incredible supporters. This agreement gives us the platform to make it happen.”Importance of The DenThe new deal will ensure massive improvements for the community including the build of new affordable homes, more jobs and improved public spaces that local people can benefit from year-round.It means more programmes for young people and families in the area can be made by the trust.This would be alongside the current programmes they already offer locally – weekly football sessions to kids, mentoring for young people and football teams to help those who are suffering with mental health or have a disability.Millwall could be back in the top flight next season for the first time since 1990The Lions currently sit fourth in the Championship – which would see them enter the play-offs for a shot at Premier League promotion.If they do go up, the new stadium lease would allow the club to expand with the size of the league they are in.The New Den was opened in 1993 after they decided the Old Den was not viable to make safer after the Taylor Report was released following the Hillsborough disaster.They have fallen high and low in the New Den, experiencing both the Championship and League One football.If the Championship side manage to get promoted they could be playing two of their biggest rivals in the top flight next season, West Ham United and Leeds United.