Start of Work at Meadowbank Marked by Breaking Ground

Representatives from Mole Valley District Council, Dorking Football Club, Dorking Wanderers and contractors Conamar Building Services gathered on-site for a ceremonial ‘breaking ground’ to mark the start of construction at Meadowbank Football Ground in Dorking.

Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) is investing £5million to build a community based sports facility in Meadowbank. MVDC has also secured £500,000 through the Sport England Improvement Fund towards the provision of the new football facilities. Construction is due to start in September and it is expected that the development will be completed in time for the 2017/18 football season.

The football facilities feature an artificial grass pitch, floodlights and stands, new club house and changing facilities for the wide use of many local football teams. The new soft play floor to ceiling height will allow at least three tiers of soft play and the café facilities will serve visitors to both the soft play and the park. It will also include an outside patio area overlooking the playground.

The new headquarters for Surrey County Football Association will be located at Meadowbank from 2017. The recent announcement that Dorking Football Club and Dorking Wanderers have formed the inspired Dorking Football Development Alliance means that MVDC’s new stadium will bring Dorking FC home to Meadowbank. Dorking Wanderers’ first team will also play its home matches at the new stadium.

Councillor Charles Yarwood, Executive Member for Property said “We look forward to working closely with our partners on this exciting new development in the heart of Dorking town centre. It will provide a range of facilities and activities that will encourage active play and improved fitness across a wide age group. I also expect this great facility will draw people into the town and help further the local economy. With a 3G Artificial Grass Pitch, a soft play area, café and public toilets that support and enhance the facilities at Meadowbank, the entire community will benefit from this project.”