Ebbsfleet United, an English National League team, has announced that planning approval for their proposed Northfleet Harbourside development has been granted by the local council.
The 50-acre Northfleet Harbourside development, which is adjacent to the River Thames and connected to the historic harbour in Northfleet, will feature a new stadium that can hold 8,000 people in addition to a mixed-use building that has 300,000 square feet of new stores, eateries, bars, cafés and recreational areas. Along with 150,000 square feet of commercial office space, there will also be a 300-bed hotel and a new community shopping centre. In addition, 3,500 new residences comprising a mix of private and subsidised housing will be built.
The newly constructed multipurpose community stadium and event facilities, valued at £40 million (US$50 million), will remain under the management and freehold of Ebbsfleet United FC. In addition to providing steady, self-generating income and funds towards the club’s ultimate objective of sustained high performance, this will safeguard the club’s future for future generations.
Chief executive officer of Ebbsfleet United FC Damian Irvine remarked, “Today is a truly significant day in our club’s great history as well as for the people and communities of Northfleet and Gravesend,” upon the announcement of the news. The outcome is the product of several months of intense work and cooperation with investors in the project, our development partners and team, and Gravesham Borough Council.
