Herne Bay chairman Stuart Fitchie looks for investors to support £600,000 bill towards 3G pitch installation at Winch's Field

HERNE BAY chairman Stuart Fitchie has announced plans to install a 3G playing surface at Winch’s Field – and searches for investors to help contribute towards the £600,000 invoice.

 

“Herne Bay FC is delighted to confirm over the next quarter we intend to deliver what will be the biggest development and transformation of the clubs facilities in recent times,” Mr Fitchie said yesterday in a statement.

“After what feels like an eternity and an anxious few weeks of waiting for our application to finally go live, we are extremely excited to share with you the news that we have applied to Canterbury City Council to convert our existing grass surface to an artificial 3G surface.

“A lot of hard work has been going on in the shadows to get to this point and whilst there is still a lot to do we can now finally reveal the groundbreaking news.

“Whilst my heart is entirely grass and I don’t have particularly fond memories of playing on 3G, the knowledge I have gained in the last few months has educated me on how far 3G’s have come since I was playing.  Nowadays, we find ourselves with high spec carpets with very similar characteristics to grass but with the durability of an artificial surface.

“The proof will be in the pudding when it is down but we have chosen a top-end product that will enable a natural feel and meet FIFA Quality PRO standards.

“Many clubs either already have a 3G surface or are planning on replacing their grass pitch with a 3G playing surface. This has transformed clubs, their business models and opportunities directly and indirectly exponentially. This can be measured in many forms from the extended operational times which would, in turn, equal a multiplied footfall which in turn will increase secondary spending and the chance of other revenue and sponsorship opportunities.

“This application extends to new perimeter fencing, tarmac walkway spectator side and includes the levelling of the pitch. We are expecting a smooth planning process and have appointed a very experienced Project Manager with over 15 years of experience in this area. Our intention is that the works will be completed at the close of this season in time for the 2022-23 season.

“As you would expect, when the news was delivered internally it was greeted with a reaction of pure delight and excitement. For me, having One Home for all associated with the club and having a facility that can be used by our partners and other Herne Bay community clubs gives me immense wholesomeness.

“As I have grown into my role I am understanding more the scale of the role the club has as a stakeholder in the town, but also myself as the steer and current senior custodian. Saying I was involved in this transformation is something I am honoured to be a part of, and so can you.

“As part of our fundraising plans, we intend on running a debt raise, meaning individuals or companies can invest in the project and receive an attractive annual rate of interest in return. I have a presentation prepared for any interested parties and would be happy to run it through. I am pleased to say so far what looks to be a project totalling approximately £600,000 without this being public knowledge I have already had extremely positive feedback and significant commitments of investment. Enough commitment to confirm already that this project will be going ahead.

“I would like to open this out to anyone interested – at this time and due to the intended structure we are seeking minimum commitments of £50,000 per investor. As I said above, I am happy to arrange to meet with any interested parties.

“I am very aware there will be people who are interested in supporting this project and the development of the club in general but do not have the amount stated above. We are going to be working on a similar offering for smaller contributions and will give further details once they are finalised.”

Meanwhile, Ben Smith’s Herne Bay welcome eleventh-placed Chichester City to Winch’s Field on Saturday.  The Bay are in sixth-place in the table, a point adrift of the play-offs, which are occupied by Ashford United, Cray Valley, Haywards Heath and Ramsgate.

Visit Herne Bay’s website: www.hernebayfootballclub.co.uk