PWA Planning has submitted a formal planning application on behalf of Hastings United Football Club for a new 1,950 capacity stadium in St Leonards-on-Sea.
The development – which also includes a sports hall, gymnasium, two 3G artificial grass pitches, changing facilities, 3 Petanque courts, a multi-use games area and parking – is proposed for land at Tilekiln Playing Fields near Ingleside.
PWA Planning has worked alongside architects FWP on the stadium proposals. It is part of the semi-professional club’s ambition to play at a higher league level and the increased stadium standards required. The club currently plays in the Isthmian League South East Division.
The wider development would provide important community benefits and generate income for the club and local council from community use of the facilities.
A planning application to redevelop the club’s existing ground at The Pilot Field to create new homes has also been made and this would part-fund the new stadium.
Dan Hughes, associate at PWA Planning, said: “The stadium will form phase one of the development and its focal point will be the main stand which will provide the club with a dedicated reception area, ticket office, changing rooms, classrooms for the Academy and college use, and offices.
“Further facilities include a function room, bar, kitchen and viewing boxes providing views over the football pitch. Not only will this provide a modern and fit-for-purpose home for an ambitious football club, the wider development will provide far wider benefits to local grass roots sport with a covered sports hall, gym, and outdoor all-weather training pitches.”
Subject to planning permission, it’s hoped the new stadium could be ready to welcome fans during the 2022-23 season.
