Kentish Football 
Stadium revamp has been a long time coming, says Margate secretary Ken Tomlinson
Saturday 18th December 2010
THE ANNOUNCEMENT concerning the re-development of Margate’s Hartsdown Park Stadium was greeted enthusiastically by assembled supporters, club officials and representatives of Construct Stadia (the contractors appointed by the developer; Hartsdown Properties Ltd) at Thursday evening’s Fans Forum.
Director Keith Piper said: “It’s been a long time coming. There have been lots of proposals that have fallen by the wayside at the last moment. But what this does is bring value to the proposal (for the stakeholders). It does return the developer his investment and provides him with a profit.”
He also paid tribute to Gary Lever; without his help and support over the past few years, the club would probably not have survived.
He said: “He and I have worked very closely together. He’s not only a developer he is a willing partner and involves himself in the football club, which is rare I must confess and it’s been a delight to work with him.”
Mr Piper acknowledged that “watching Margate FC in our current facilities is not the best.” But looking forward he said: “We are moving to a very exciting stage in the club’s development”.
Manager Iain O’Connell commented: “The players are really excited about the project.
“A new stadium will help to attract players to the club.”
On the stadium itself, contractors Construct Stadia will deploy a new technology-based modular system to minimise build time and cost. The contractors are excited that Margate will be “the first club to benefit from the new technology, in the country.”
A detailed programme of works will now be agreed, but the club will continue to run with a three sided stadium during the construction phase with safety certificates issued for each match. Given that the contracted operator occupancy of the North Stand and the Travelodge in the East Stand are set for September and December of 2011, supporters will see the new development grow as they watch Margate in action on the pitch!
This first stage of the development will see the construction of North Stand including an education centre, changing facilities and administration offices; the full sized 3G Pitch which will support community and Academy use; and a 68 room Travelodge Hotel, with bar/restaurant. A new Grand Stand will be constructed on the west side of the ground to include the board room and ropes facilities.
The proposed second phase will see the development of a conference centre, hospitality and social facilities in place of the existing Hartsdown bar, offices and sponsor’s lounge. These facilities will be operated by the Margate FC and will generate income for the club.
When completed the stadium will meet the criteria required for Grade A: Conference / Football League. Capacity will be 4,200 with potential to expand that to 5,000 as required by the Football League.
The capacity will be made up as follows:
North Stand – Terrace 1,000
East Stand (backing on to Travel Lodge Hotel) – 500 seated with approximately 500 capacity terrace either side.
West Grand Stand – 400 seats
West Terrace and Hartsdown Road Terrace – 1,300.
Director Cliff Egan described the news of the stadium development as “massive” to the club.
He reiterated Piper’s observation that Margate’s current facilities are not “as supporter friendly” as other stadia around. “We know that, we’re fully aware of that, and that’s why we’ve been working hard to try and rectify that and bring a stadium that the club deserves.”
Mr Egan hopes that the new stadium will both attract players and importantly new supporters to the club.
“We’ve seen the trend at (the likes of) Dartford and Chelmsford where new grounds have been built and their gates have significantly increased.”
The directors also revealed that the naming rights to the stadium will be offered to interested parties and work has already started to prepare the way for this important commercial opportunity. In addition, Mr Egan also revealed that the club are working to secure a three-year sponsorship deal from next season which will further enhance the club’s financial security.
The focus now is on securing the long-term future of the club in promotion-proofed, top class facilities. And the realisation of this ambition has in no small part, been down to the perseverance of fellow director Keith Piper. “Keith’s stuck at it doggedly, never gave up hope when many people walked away.
“And I’ve got to pay tribute to him, because what he’s done – realised his dream – to build a stadium here that was up to standard. Moving to a grade A stadium is going to be of enormous benefit to this football club.”
Club secretary, Ken Tomlinson, told www.kentishfootball.co.uk this morning, is delighted that the transformation of the site on Hartsdown Road is finally going ahead.
“It is good, it’s not before time is it? It’s been a long time,” he said.
“This has been pending, I remember when (former manager) Chris Kinnear started, this was on the cards then! He’s been gone about 3-4 years and he was with us for 10 years so you’re looking, maybe 14-15 years ago it was on the cards to revamp the stadium.”
Article courtesy of www.margate-fc.com
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