Gillingham get go ahead for new fan zone at Priestfield Stadium – managing director Joe Comper provides fans with an update

Gillingham have been given the green light to construct a new fan zone at Priestfield Stadium.

Demolition of old buildings behind the Rainham End will make space for a new area that will provide additional outlets for fans on matchdays and a venue for other events.

Managing director Joe Comper has updated supporters on the progress and said: “The old leisure centre, which is in the car park, is to be knocked down.

“Before the game, (the fan zone) will be open to all fans, and then during half-time, it will be open to fans in the Gordon Road and fans in the Rainham End.

“The Gordon Road doesn't have a concourse area, but the way we're looking to build the fan zone will mean that we can improve their facilities for food, drink, and get to the toilet quicker, rather than having to queue for your whole half-time. That's the reason behind it.

“There will be food outlets, drink outlets in there. We're looking at having a stage so we can host live music, have big screens in there for the football. It would be great. One of our things is for international tournaments, trying to become a fan zone in this area for the England games.

“It will be a marquee, so it's indoor but not a brick building.

“We've got planning permission, we've had all the consultations, we've had the noise surveys, all that sort of stuff, and that's all done.

“Now we're in the process of planning exactly what's going into the build, what floor we're having, what marquee we're having. It's now finalising all the details.

“We hope that (the leisure centre) will start to be knocked down by the end of the year and then obviously something put in place.

“It's not something that will happen by the start of the season. Could it happen by the end of the season?