It's On! Meadowbank Gets Green Light

We are delighted to announce that Mole Valley District Council has given final approval to a new contractor and the rebuilding of our ancestral home at Meadowbank.

Work is now due to begin in September with the Chicks returning home to play at the new stadium at the start of the 2017-18 season.

In the meantime, after nearly three years' absence, we will be back in town for 2016-17, ground sharing with Dorking Wanderers at Westhumble as part of the new Dorking Football Development Alliance.

Once Meadowbank is rebuilt, along with providing a new Dorking FC clubhouse and 3G all-weather pitch for our home first team, U18 and Ladies games, we will be joined by Dorking Wanderers for their first team home matches and by over 1000 boys and girls from the local youth football clubs, who will be able to train at the ground throughout the week. Surrey FA are also expected to relocate their headquarters to the stadium.

Dorking FC Chairman Alan Gout says, "It's been two long years since we took over the club to get to this point, and thanks are due to everyone involved both at Mole Valley District Council and Dorking FC for their vision and commitment to the project.

"The new Meadowbank will be a focal point for football both in Dorking and Surrey - a fantastic sporting legacy for generations to come and a huge boost to the town centre."

The full statement from Mole Valley District Council is as follows:

'At the meeting of Mole Valley District Council on 12 July, Members considered a report to appoint a contractor to carry out the redevelopment of Dorking Football Ground, Meadowbank in time for the 2017/18 football season.

Councillor Charles Yarwood, Executive Member for Property, Parking and Economic Development said: "Mole Valley District Council remains committed to investing in sports and wellbeing facilities at Meadowbank. Talks have continued with both local football clubs and the recent announcement that Dorking Football Club and Dorking Wanderers have formed the ground-breaking Dorking Football Development Alliance, means that MVDC's new stadium will bring Dorking FC home to Meadowbank where Dorking Wanderers' first team will also play its home matches.

This community based development will cost just under £5 million to build. It will provide a range of facilities and activities across a wide age group with the aim of improving sporting and leisure facilities in the district as well as promoting the importance of healthy lifestyles. With a 3G Artificial Grass Pitch, a soft play area, café and public toilets that support and enhance the facilities of Meadowbank Recreation Park, all parts of the community will benefit from this project. It will also incorporate sustainable features that include sourcing sustainable materials wherever possible and solar panels.

This redevelopment represents a long term investment for the Council that will deliver a reasonable rental income or income derived from the range of facilities on site.

In recent months, MVDC has undertaken a rigorous procurement process to ensure competitive pricing. Planning permission for the development was approved in June 2016. Following the decision at Council to approve the appointment of a principle contractor, it is expected that the redevelopment will be completed in time for the 2017/18 football season.'