ST MARY CRAY: Cray Wanderers FC reveal ground plans

Cray Wanderers FC wants to build a new stadium in St Mary Cray along with a hotel, fitness centre, academy, nursery and club shop.

Speaking exclusively to News Shopper, club chairman Gary Hillman said: “It will be a massive boost for the local area. Not only will we create up to 100 new jobs but we’ll give the area a sense of pride and something to be proud of.”

The club currently shares its ground with Bromley Football Club in Hayes Lane, Bromley, but is looking to make a return to the town where it was founded.

The area around the estimated £10m development in Sandy Lane is already home to a dry ski slope, golf course and fishing lakes.

Mr Hillman, who took over in 1994, said: “We have been busy over the last year getting various boxes ticked and so far everything is going to plan.

“We feel it’s an ideal location for a type of sporting village - a place to stay for people travelling form Europe to London.”

He added: “I can’t think of another hotel in the south of England so close to London and the motorway that has a ski slope, golf course and fishing lakes within walking distance.”

The Wands' ambitious designs will impact on green belt land near the busy A20 and club officials are due to meet with Greater London Authority (GLA) staff at City Hall on February 17 to discuss the plans.

Mr Hillman explained: “The GLA has a big input in the decision process.

“Hopefully if the meeting goes well we will be on target to submit a full planning application this year and be ready to move in for the start of the 2014/15 season.”

Cray Wanderers was founded in 1860 and is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

Its roots are linked to the construction of the London, Chatham and Dover railway line between 1858 and 1860.

Railway workers would often kick a football around on their break, eventually leading to the creation of the club in St Mary Cray.