Gillingham Football Club have started demolition work at Priestfield Stadium ahead of the construction of a fan zone.

A new area at the back of the existing Rainham End will be able to accommodate up to 900 supporters and will also be open on non-matchdays.

Chairman Brad Galinson shared a picture on social media after work started on a project that will provide extra facilities for fans to use and a new venue for the club to hire out.

A section of the Priestfield Stadium car park has been fenced off so demolition work can start, with the removal of a former squash court and gymnasium making way for a new zone.

Those buildings attached to the back of the Rainham End haven’t been used for several years and are no longer structurally sound.

In their place will be a fan zone and the proposed scheme will feature five converted shipping containers that will operate as food and drink kiosks, with benches, toilets and a play area, covered by a large tented structure.

The fans zone will be able to provide entertainment, food and beverages with planned opening times on Monday and Thursday 12:30pm-8pm and Friday to Sunday 12:30pm-9pm on non-matchdays with later closing times on matchdays.”

Managing director Joe Comper has spoken of the need for additional facilities to make the experience at the ground better for fans.

He said: “The Gordon Road doesn't have a concourse area, but the way we're looking to build the fan zone will mean that we can improve their facilities for food, drink, and get to the toilet quicker, rather than having to queue for your whole half-time. That's the reason behind it.

“There will be food outlets, drink outlets in there. We're looking at having a stage so we can host live music, have big screens in there for the football. It would be great. One of our things is for international tournaments, trying to become a fan zone in this area for the England games.

“I think it's going to be a great addition to the matchday experience, particularly for those people in the Gordon Road.”

Gillingham’s existing car park currently has space for 90 vehicles and the new venue will mean the loss of just three spaces.

Speaking back in May, Mr Comper said there was a possibility that the new venue could be finished before the end of this season.

The club’s planning submission stated 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.”

The club added: “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.”