Historic vote ends thirty year wait for dream home

Aveley Secretary Craig Johnson reckons he couldn’t be “happier” after Thurrock County Council gave the Ryman North club the green light to end a thirty year quest to move to a new dream home.

The Millers are now aiming to move into a new £2.8 million community sports and stadium complex, pictured, at Belhus Park in time for the 2015-16 campaign after the local authority unanimously voted in favour of the development on Thursday night.

Funded almost entirely by the sale of the club’s current Mill Field ground and the surrounding land, as part of the proposal developers will not be allowed to start building new housing on the site of the old ground until the club has moved into its new home.

Johnson, who spoke on behalf of the club's dream in a speech to councillors, described Thursday’s vote as an “historic day” for supporters and everyone connected with the Millers who were founded in 1927.

Johnson said: "I cannot be happier. This is a result of a massive amount of work that has been ongoing for many years. A project like this takes a long time to deliver. We have had many false dawns along the way. I would like to thank the team from Elev8 and Sports Solutions for their great energy in making this possible.

"We appreciate there is still a long way to go, but the target of playing in our new stadium on the opening league fixture of the 2015-16 still remains our aim, and with more hard work, is definitely achievable."

"We will continue to play at Mill Field until the new facilities are available so there will be no upheaval to the club and our supporters, which is something I have been keen to ensure. Once again my sincere thanks to everyone making our dream a reality."

Aveley’s new ground will include a 3G full size pitch which will be used by the first team, along with another full size grass pitch adjacent. There will also be two mini soccer grass pitches and a junior grass pitch, along with a new club house and changing room facilities.

In the end, the only opposition to the club's plans came from the local Model Flying Club who currently use the land designated for the complex.