Needham Market Football Club’s plan for new stand at Bloomfields, in Quinton Road, to enhance ground win approval from Mid Suffolk District Council
A town football club will gain a new stand to replace its near 30-year-old main stand after plans were approved.
Mid Suffolk District Council green lit the proposals by Needham Market Football Club to erect a replacement stand at Bloomfields, which with it will come a raft of new facilities.
This included enhanced disabled access, a new bar, directors box, press box and food and drink servery.
It is estimated the new stand will have around 270 seats, increasing the stand’s capacity by 150.
Dave Clarke, club CEO, said: “We’re really excited about it.
“The old stand is not fit for purpose anymore. The new stand will give us additional revenue as well as a far superior spectator experience.
“It will have a concourse on a high level, like a Wembley effect, so teams can lift their trophies on the balcony which is something that is very exciting.”
Mr Clarke also expressed his gratitude for Football Foundation funding, without which the new stand would not have been possible.
A planning statement for the new stand said it will marginally increase Bloomfields’ capacity from 2,250 to 2,400. It added that, as Needham Market have moved up the footballing pyramid to Step 2, greater crowd sizes are expected.
Being in the National League North requires the club to have a stand with seats for at least 250, toilet facilities, six turnstiles and the ability to segregate fans if needed.
The new requirements must be met by spring next year.
The planning statement said the new stand will enhance comfort and inclusivity for spectators.
It will have dedicated areas for mobility or visually impaired spectators which will be accessed by an external enclosed platform. This will be operated on match days by a trained steward, and take spectators to the highest level of the stand so as to take ‘full benefit’ of the new facilities.
The existing stand, which was built in 1995 and reportedly does not meet current safety standards, will be demolished. The club deemed maintaining and altering it to bring it up to scratch was not cost effective.
An officer report on the approval said the new stand will have the knock on effect of enhancing business in the town through greater footfall, which will boost the hospitality and retail sectors particularly.
The new stand will be constructed off site and then craned in.
