James Whatman Way

Infobox_Stadium
stadium_name = James Whatman Way
nickname =


caption = Artist's Impression of James Whatman Way
fullname =
location = Maidstone, Kent
built = Approval given
opened = Scheduled to open during the 2009-10 season
renovated =
closed =
demolished =
owner = Ministry of Defence (leased to Maidstone United)
operator = Maidstone United F.C.
surface = 3G / Artificial turf
construction_cost =
architect =
structural engineer =
general_contractor =
project_manager = Prime Construction
former_names =
tenants = Maidstone United F.C.
seating_capacity = 3,000 (318 seats)
dimensions =

James Whatman Way is the project name for the new stadium and home of Maidstone United Football Club.

The stadium, which is expected to be in use by the 2009-2010 season, will be situated on James Whatman Way on the outskirts of Maidstone town centre and next to the River Medway. The site is a five minute walk from the Fremlin Walk shopping centre and is within close reach of the M20, the M2 and the Maidstone East and Barracks train stations. The stadium is also near the the 18 acre Whatman Park and the Invicta Rowing Club. A new library and history centre is also being built a matter of yards away from the ground. [http://www.kent.gov.uk/news/history-and-library.htm Library and History Centre to be Built by Kent County Council]

History

.

Facilities

The ground will consist of a main stand, two covered terraces, a club house, changing rooms, floodlights and parking. It will be build to meet league ground grading requirements as the club reaches these leagues.

tands

There will be stands on the north, east and south sides of the pitch. The west side is expected to feature hard standing only.

North Stand: The North end will provide covered standing accommodation for spectators, and can be reserved for away supporters when segregation is required.

East Stand: The Main stand will be on the Eastern side of the ground and will include 318 spectator seats, six wheelchair bays with accompanying seats for carers, eight media seats, two corporate/sponsor boxes and a directors box. The stand will be situated 1.5 metres above pitch level.

South Stand: The South end of the ground will provide a covered standing area for supporters as well as being where the changing rooms, medical room and storage room will be installed. There will be an extendable tunnel and movable barriers for players and officials to make their way to and from the pitch.

Other

The ground's clubhouse will be located at the South West corner of the stadium. It will be able to hold 390 people when standing and 190 when all seated.

The club's car park can accommodate three coaches, 73 cars and six motorcycles. Provisions have been made for a overflow carpark and designated Park & Ride service.

Floodlights cannot be installed on one side of the ground due to the narrow nature of the site and restrictions from the authorities. However floodlights will be installed that reach the level needed at the Football League's League One and Two.

Rather than the traditional choice of grass, Maidstone intend to install 3rd generation artificial turf to eliminate the problems caused by waterlogging. This will also mean the clubs youth teams and community projects can use the James Whatman Way pitch (see below). So far the club has only gained permission from the Isthmian League for the use of the 3G pitch in their competitions (the Isthmian Leagues and Cup). The club have yet to receive permission from The FA (The FA Cup and Trophy) and the Football Conference (Conference National / North & South and the Conference League Cup).

Future Expansion

The ground is designed to achieve at least a C grading, which is required for the club’s current league (Isthmian League Premier Division). If expansion is required in the future, then the north and east stands are designed to be easily extended. If this is insufficient, then the south end can be redeveloped with a large stand incorporating facilities for players and officials.

James Whatman Way in the Community

There will be a large impotus on football for the community at James Whatman Way. The grounds 3rd generation artificial turf will allow the pitch to be used for far longer than grass without sustaining damage, especially in the winter months. As the pitch can be continuously played on, the clubs youth and community sides will be afforded use of the ground. It is also expected the pitch will be available for use by the wider Maidstone community.

References

External Links

* [http://www.bringingfootballhome.co.uk Bringing Football Home - official website for the Stones' return to the town]
* [http://www.maidstoneunited.co.uk Maidstone United Official Website]