WORK is due to begin next February on an ambitious multi-million pound redevelopment of Margate FC's Hartsdown Park ground.

The project includes new spectator stands, an all-weather playing surface, ten-a-side pitches, extra coach and car parking spaces and improved changing facilities.

After months of meetings between the Conference club, Thanet council and the public, plus a number of revisions to the scheme, outline planning permission has been granted subject to approval by the Government Office for the South East.

An 80-bedroom hotel, conference and banqueting, a theme bar, offices, and leisure fitness club are included and will provide an income stream for the club development.

Club chairman Jim Parmenter said: “This is wonderful news for the club, its supporters and for the people of Thanet. Our five year plan for Margate FC was to achieve football league status by 2005 and I see no reason why that should not be achieved.”

"Although the plan goes before the Government office, I am certain that it will be approved and we expect the project to get underway by February 1. Margate FC will be playing at the ground next season so we need to get cracking."