English Vanarama Conference South soccer club Ebbsfleet United has applied for planning permission to build a new multi-million-dollar stadium on the site of its current ground, Stonebridge Road.
If approved by Gravesham Council, the plan will see construction of a new £3.5m main stand as the first phase of a scheme estimated to cost up to £8m. The new stadium, based in Northfleet, Kent, would also increase capacity from more than 4,000 to 6,000, according to club’s vice-chairman Peter Varney.
“It’s very important that we have got a stadium that attracts people to come in,” said Varney. “The truth is at the moment it’s a much older stadium, over 100 years old. We need something for the modern soccer fan and that’s what we’re building.”
Designed by architectural firm Alexander Sedgley, the new ground floor of the proposed new stadium will be built in pewter-colored blockwork, with the first floor being described as a “dynamic, angled curtain walling system with a mix of clear and red color glazing, which matches the team’s colors”. Also, a folded profile metal sheet roof will wrap around the stadium.
Other parties involved in the project are Faithorn Farrell Timms (project manager/quantity surveyor/CDM); Marks Heeley (structural engineer); and Crofton Design (services engineer).
Work to phase I, which includes the Stonebridge Road main stand, changing areas for players/officials, community facilities and a VIP/board room, will commence this summer. Completion is scheduled for the beginning of the 2015/16 soccer season.
April 23, 2015
