Application for new Hastings football stadium to be submitted

The club is hoping to build a new home at the Tilekiln Recreation Ground, in Hollington.

If the application is successful, it is thought the club could move into the new ground by the start of the 2022/2023 season.

Hastings Borough Council – whose cabinet agreed to support the scheme in November 2018 – previously said the proposals would include the construction of a 1,950-capacity stadium as well as new gym facilities and two additional football pitches for community use.

The overall scheme is expected to be funded through the sale of the club’s current ground at Pilot Field – a council-owned site in Baird ward – to housing developers.

Revealing the latest photographic plans, Hastings United FC said: “It has been discussed for many years on why moving to a new stadium complex is the right step for Hastings United Football Club, however with the new facilities its one that will serve the community incredibly well across sports, fitness and education. State of the art facilities is what our town has been crying out for over the past two decades.

“Whilst stepping down as chairman and director of Hastings United Football Club, David Nessling has remained the lead consultant for the Tilekiln project, which has proven a full time job for David alongside Hastings United owners Daren Burney and Peter Sherlock. On record all at the club would like to thank David for his continued importance to the project.”

Chief Executive Billy Wood added: “From the club’s point of view we commend the amount of work all three have put in to the project way before my years here at the club.

“I know it’s been David Nessling’s long term goal for what is probably the past 15 years and I cannot praise enough his passion, desire and hours of work in driving this project with both Daren and Peter. Whilst David stepped away from the football club in September 2019, in hindsight, it’s allowed him to work outside of the perimeters of the club and focus on this project – a blessing in disguise.

“I am proud to work with, spend time discussing with the owners and with the will and support of us all, the local community and the council, we will deliver a project this town has never seen.

“Everybody knows the ambition and drive we have at Hastings United to build further strength with our locals. Our consistent goal since my arrival is to strive to be the leaders in the community and this project aids that like no other.

“Thank you Daren, Peter and David. It’s an honour to work alongside you as we all drive to deliver The Tilekiln Football Park Project.”