Margate unveil plans for Hartsdown Park

Directors of Ryman Premier League club Margate are now able to confirm that their proposal to turn the Hartsdown Park pitch through 90 degrees in time for the start of next season has been delayed and will now be carried out as part of the new stadium redevelopment programme.

A statement issued on www.margate-fc.com said: “The decision taken to delay was in full consultation with both our Development Partners and our operators and remains subject only to the final consent for the amended planning application being in place by July/August 2006. The decision will allow the club to spend the majority of next season in its existing temporary facility.

“The club can now move ahead with its proposed maintenance programme to improve the pitch. These works will include an earthquake operation and a full top dressing and fertilizing procedure in readiness for our pre-season friendlies, which will be held at Hartsdown Park.

“The Development Team are now projecting a start date on site as March 2007, which will be subject to the clubs application to the Ryman League to have its last five games played as away fixtures and the entering of the Thanet District Council leases.

“The redevelopment is now planned in two stages which will follow each other, the first of which will include the new stadium and 5 a-side pitches.”