On 7th May 1926 it was reported that a meeting of life members and members of Hampstead Town Football Club had taken place at the All Saints' Institute, Childs Hill at which it was confirmed that the Hendon Urban District Council had offered the club a piece of land in Claremont Road at an annual rent of £255.

A works committee had previously been formed and they reported that it would cost about £1,300 to equip the new stadium. The finance committe had been active in trying to raise funds but were still £200 short of that figure. In order to raise the shortfall the club launched a 'Five Thousand Shillings Fund' which got off to a flying start as the supporters raised 1,000 shillings at that meeting.

Within six weeks, on Friday 18th June 1926, work on the former farm land (Clitterhouse Farmhouse still stands a few yards away on Claremont Road) was progressing at speed. The groundsman a chap named Draper, was busy putting various pitch irregularities right - 80 years on and nothing changes!

Contractors William Harbrow Ltd were busy erecting the 400 seater stand with glass screened ends which still stands today. The idea was that it could be extended at a later date. It was also planned to provide a covered standing area. The pitch was to be surrounded by a wood panelling fence and the stadium would be enclosed by the erection of a six-foot fence. The pavilion of the clubs Avenue Ground (off Cricklewood Lane and now part covered by the A41 Hendon Way) was to be removed to Claremont Road and re-erected with the inside of the building being modernised.

Almost 3,500 were present for the official opening of CLaremont Road for the visit of Berkhamsted Town in the FA Cup on Saturday 18th September 1926 and the crowd paid gate receipts of £83 17s.

Local authorities from Hendon, Willesden and Hampstead were well represented at the big day along with officials from the Football Association, London FA, Middlesex County FA, Hertfordshire FA and Essex FA. Athenian League officials also formed part of the guest list.

Middlesex County FA President and Athenian League chairman Lieut. Col. C.D.Crisp OBE performed the opening ceremony and in unfurling a flag near the pavilion, on either side of which housed the players and match officials, Col.Crisp said he had much pleasure in declaring the ground open, then followed another interesting ceremony as Hampstead's President CHarles Farrer, planed an oak tree expressing the hope that both the club and the tree will grow stronger by the year.

The official party then made their way to the centre of the packed stand where more speeches were made. Col.Crisp said "Eighteen years ago some young men belonging to Christ Church Hampstead formed a junior football team and in three years they were able to enter the senior ranks.

"This was a fine performance, more particularly because they were out to play clean and sportsmanlike football, a tradition which Hampstead Town (now Hampstead FC) had always endeavoured to maintain."

He also paid tribute to the Hendon District Council for making the area available to the club. Col.Crisp went on to add that the understood that the pitch drainage was so perfect that whatever the weather might be they would be able to play the game in its entirety. As his speech drew to a close he remarked that the Middlesex County might one day choose to select the gorund for a County match. Then he expressed that they would witness a sportsmanlike game and that the better team would win.

Councillor Taylor echoes the Colnel's words and hopes, and went on to say that while it would not have been possible unless he had received support, he took a certain amount of credit himself, as Chairman of the Council, for securing the ground for the club. Football was a national game and the Council, he felt sure, would always be pleased to foster healthy sport. The Hampstead club should be encouraged because they induced thousands of people who were confined to offices and shops during the week to inhale an invigorating atmosphere and enjoy good sport. Amid laughter he said that he was sure the Council would be very reluctant to put in a receiving officer (he was proved to be wrong some 65 years later!) and personally he felt sorry that it had not been possible for the ground to be leased for a lower rent.

The Hampstead FC President, Mr Farrer, mentioned that althogh the club was initiated in Hampstead, he believed that as much support came from Hendon as Hampstead and hoped that would continue.

The Childs Hill prize Silver Band had played before the speech making and played again at half time.