First week on site

Now that we have signed the lease our contractors have been able to begin the preliminary works to develop the construction site at Ronald Johnson Playing Fields. We are aware that supporters will be keen to monitor progress on the ground build and we plan to do that via regular updates here on the website and via club communications channels.

Our first job has been to construct the site access and these works were completed over the weekend allowing our main contractor Thomas Barnes Ltd to set up the main construction site this week.

Any building contract will cause some localised disruption, we have promised to do what we can to minimise disturbance to local residents by giving an undertaking to keep site traffic away from residential properties along St Mary’s Road. Creating the access to the construction site from Lightbowne Road is the first step; once the construction of the ground has been completed this entrance to the site will become the main site entrance.

This week’s work schedule includes the construction site set up and will comprise of site fencing, survey work, tree felling, site security, welfare provision and setting out of the footpath diversion to Broadhurst Park at the north end of the site.

Once the site has been established the main works contract and pitch works will follow with the build programme expected to last for 44 weeks.

The announcement of the first spade in the ground will be made later this week.

We are retaining as many trees as we can on the site but some trees need to be removed to make way for the site opening along with those identified as dying or in poor condition. All those trees that are felled will be replaced with at least three new ones. The site has had a long standing problem with Japanese Knotweed, this invasive plant can present problems when located close to buildings and we have begun a treatment programme to eradicate it from the site, in line with our commitment to enhance the local environment.

Further updates will follow