Latest update: Ground development work

The club would like to provide an update on the ground development works that are required to be completed by the end of March.

Following a fantastic response to our volunteers day at the weekend, work has now commenced on the building of the new away stand, which we hope to have completed in time for the visit of Southport next Tuesday.

This was made possible after the club received final confirmation of the required monies from the Premier League Stadium Fund, which covers up to 60% of the costs. Due to the terms of the application, none of the work that formed part of the funding application could be started in advance of this.

Due to the delays in receiving planning permission, a number of small items were removed from the original funding application to enable at least some preparatory work could be done in advance of the funding arriving, given the tight deadlines and timescales we are working to.

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You will have seen at recent home games that a number of areas have already been dug out in preparation for additional standing areas and for the installation of the new stand. Work has also been ongoing with regards to resolving the issues relating to the installation of new toilets and refreshment kiosks, which are now ready to be dropped in place.

The widening of the walkways around the pitch is ongoing and now ready for the concrete pouring to commence. Other significant tasks will see the installation of new turnstiles and steel handrails in the standing areas around the pitch.,

While the club is confident of completing the works ahead of the required deadline at the end of March, the question has been asked if there can be any consideration to an extension for any issues beyond the club’s control, notably the weather causing delays.

The club would like to thank fans for their incredible response to the groundfunder. While the required funds the club needed to find was estimated to be £80,000, in real terms that has now increased to beyond £100,000. More than £22,000 has been raised by fans alone, which has been of significant help.

We would like to particularly acknowledge the efforts of Colette and Jane in arranging bucket collections at the ground during home games, and also the intrepid group of fans planning a 40-mile walk ahead of this weekend’s game against Bishop’s Stortford to raise further funds.

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The remaining shortfall will be made up by a director’s loan coupled with a small investment to ensure that the club’s target of staying in National League North on and off the pitch can be achieved.

As a result, the groundfunder will close at the end of March. You can continue to donate up until the end of the month. After which, we will then start the process of creating the fans’ wall with plaques and make the publicised prize draws. Fans will be contacted over the next couple of weeks to confirm the text they would like on their plaques.

The response to the groundfunder highlights that fans have power to raise much needed revenue to help support the continued development of the club; whether that be for further ground improvements or additions, improving the fan experience or even to boost the playing budget.

We appreciate your co-operation with the restrictions that have been in force for recent home games, and the aim is to have enough work done in time to ensure segregation and use of the new away end for the home game against Southport.

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