Gillingham Football Club’s owners are predicting a “hugely exciting future” and hope a new development at Priestfield Stadium will help them on their way.

Plans have been submitted to Medway Council for a fan zone. The League 2 club want to create a 900-capacity hub for home supporters to be used before, during and after match days at Priestfield.

Demolition of an old and unused sports hall at the back of the Rainham End will free up the space to build an external fan zone that would include entertainment, food and beverage kiosks, a seating area, toilet facilities and an upgraded parking area.

Gillingham’s home ground has a capacity of 10,500 and owners Brad and Shannon Galinson are keen to squeeze as much out of their venue as possible - rather than move.

Creating an outdoor space for fans to use will, they hope, enhance the enjoyment for those attending games. Since taking over, there has been an increase in spectator numbers, with form on the pitch improving to some degree.

Promotion is the aim this season – despite a rocky few months which has seen them change manager – and the club currently average just over 6,000 home fans per league game.

The club’s submission notes that the Gordon Road stand has “restricted spectator facilities in terms of available toilet accommodation, food and drink outlets resulting in large queuing and overcrowding, especially during the half-time period.”

The Rainham End, which can hold 2,400 spectators and is usually at full capacity, or near to it, has its own concourse and facilities but “due to the limited half-time period these facilities during this period are also overcrowded and restricted due to queuing.”

In their proposal, the club say: “The club’s proposed success follows the new owner’s ambitious commitment to investment and growth over the coming years.

“The next stage of the vision strategy, which is the subject of this planning application, seeks to alleviate the significant congestion and circulation issues at the Gordon Road and Rainham End corner of the stadium.

“To relieve congestion, and health and safety concerns being experienced in the concourses on matchdays, it is proposed to create a steward operated fan zone as a replacement for the existing vacant building at the rear of the Rainham End Stand.”

They say that a fan hub/zone would “assist in solving the current overcrowding conditions and greatly improve the supporters matchday experience.

“The key aim for the club is to provide a safe and user-friendly experience for all supporters, new and old, returning to the club for what will be a hugely exciting future.

“This planning application is a key step in the club’s development to ensure the facilities meet the high standards expected of the supporters and local community.”

The fan zone would be surrounded by “specialist designed shipping containers”, containing bars and food outlets, with an entertaining section and canopies over a central seating area. Additional toilets would also be built.

Facilities wouldn’t be open to visiting supporters.

“Stewards and security personnel will monitor supporters’ alcohol consumption, as well as enforcing a ‘respect our neighbours’ policy,” say the club.

They add: “The proposed operational times are designed to offer the best experience when visiting the stadium, but also to protect the surrounding residents as the stadium is positioned within a residential area, and the relationship the club has with their neighbours is an important consideration when formulating a workable solution to the times of use.”

The current car park at the ground has 90 spaces and the proposed development would see that reduce by three on match days, to 87.

A noise assessment has been carried out and submitted as part of the planning application, with the club saying a “3dB (decibel) change in noise level is not significant considering the levels fall well below typical sound levels from a match day.”

In summary, the club add: “The investment that is planned in the club will be of significant benefit to Priestfield Stadium and will, ultimately, enhance sports provision in the area.

“Although minor in nature, the proposals represent a further step in the club’s growth strategy.

“GFC is committed to pursuing an ambitious growth strategy, which will lead to further considerable investment in the club’s facilities.”