New Southend United stadium could be in use for 2024/25 season
The club says its made 'substantial progress' on plans for a new home ground
Southend United says its made 'substantial progress' on plans for a new home ground at Fossetts Farm; with the club now hoping to have the stadium open by 2024.
Efforts to replace Roots Hall have faced significant delays, with a new ground first proposed in 1998.
However plans have move forward significantly in recent months with the new stadium set to be part of a wider housing development off Fossetts Way.
In an update to fans, Southend United says it has been refining its ideas for its new home, with the overall seating capacity being cut from 21,000 to about 17,000.
It would still accommodate approximately 5,000 more fans than Roots Hall, making it one of the largest grounds in use by a National League club.
Club bosses also want to create a provision for safe standing in the west stand and increase the amount of commercial space available on the site.
A range of bars and restaurants will be incorporated into the ground, along with a new club shop and a 'conference and banqueting space'.
The plans are being worked on by US-based architect Populous.
The club is planning to approach Southend-on-Sea City Council next week for an early opinion on the proposals.
It would then submit a formal planning application.
If all goes well, the club could kick off the 2024/25 season at Fossetts Farm.
The ambition for the Blues is to become a self-sustaining business capable of moving further up the pyramid of English football.
Southend finished 13th in the National League last season.
The Shrimpers dropped from League One in 2020 after months of financial difficulties, facing another relegation the following season.