Parkside Stadium

After close to thirty years of discussions, plans were submitted for the new stadium to Thurrock Council in 2013, with planning permission granted unanimously in March 2014.[8][9]

Constructed on the site of a former gravel pit purchased from Thurrock Council, the new stadium cost an estimated £4.8 million to build. Aveley F.C. moved into the stadium after 66 years at their previous home - Mill Field - with the club using money raised from the sale of their old ground for housing to finance the move.[10] Designed by Arturus Architects LLP,[11] the majority of the 3,500 capacity (424 seated) stadium was built via contractor CBES Limited – with the FIFA Quality Pro 3g 105m x 68m artificial pitch laid by Velocity Sports Ltd.[12] The ground also has 55 solar panels on the main clubhouse roof. Construction started in the winter of 2016, finishing in the summer of 2017.[13]

Dulwich Hamlet were invited to play the inaugural game against Aveley at the stadium, in a pre-season friendly on the 8th August 2017.[14] Aveley played their first competitive fixture at the ground four days later losing 3-1 to Bowers & Pitsea.[15] Ironically, Aveley’s next ‘away’ game saw them remain at Parkside, playing their tenants Grays Athletic.[16]

Parkside has an all-weather artificial pitch, with LED floodlights that can light both the stadium’s main playing surface and the adjacent training pitches.[17] The club house contains 4 changing rooms, a variety of rooms and suites catering for between 12 and 250 people, it can be used for parties, weddings, conferences and other functions.[18] It has also hosted drive-in and outdoor cinema events. Parkside is situated just a stones throw away from the M25 and A13, with the nearest public transport links being the 22 and 372 bus routes, whilst the ground itself had space for over 200 parked cars[19]