WARRINGTON Town have submitted plans for a new stand and launched a groundfunder for improvements at their Cantilever Park home.
Following promotion to National League North, the club face a number of challenges to reach the ground grading criteria required for the level.
The main works include the creation of a new segregated away end, that will be open to use for home fans on non-segregated matches, and to increase capacity beyond 3,000.
The walk ways around the pitch are to be widened, while there will be an installation of a handrail at the front of all standing areas and additional turnstiles.
Other upgrades are being made around the ground too, including the creation of a disabled viewing platform and additional refreshment facilities.
The new stand will be situated at the Wash Lane end of the ground, with a 182-seater stand being placed next to the existing 3G pitch. Further terracing will be added alongside the new stand, with refreshments kiosks and toilets being placed behind them.
New exit gates will also be installed to facilitate smoother exit from the ground on match days.
The club has now launched a Groundfunder to help contribute to the cost of the works, expected to be in excess of £200,000.
A club statement said: “There are many moving parts, notably around planning permission, the nature of the works and crucially funding that will dictate timescales. We need to ensure that we have met the appropriate ground grading criteria by the end of March 2024, with further future-proofing requirements also needed to be considered.
“The two biggest priorities are to increase the capacity of the ground, to a minimum of 3,000, and create a self-sufficient away end (including toilet, refreshment facilities and turnstile), though there are several other jobs on the list.
“Planning permission has been submitted, which is required to enable us to apply for funding from the Premier League Stadia Fund. We will be eligible for around 60% total funding of the project.”
Fans have been keen to see progress with the ground developments, and the groundfunder has been set up to enable fans and organisations who wish to, to donate to the works.
The Yellows have made a solid start to life in National League North, the highest level of football ever seen in the town. They have won four of their opening 10 games, and are placed 14th in the table, three points beneath the play-off places.
For more information about the plans and to donate to the groundfunder, click here
