Gillingham FC chairman Brad Galinson has clarified the club’s stance on Priestfield Stadium, suggesting that, for the time being, remaining at their historic home is the most logical move. The topic has long been a point of discussion, with previous owner Paul Scally spending considerable time exploring alternative venues in various locations such as Cuxton, Chatham Docks, Mill Hill, and even Gravesham. Despite efforts to relocate, nothing came to fruition, and Galinson now believes that focusing on improving Priestfield is a better direction.
The club’s vision for Priestfield includes improvements and renovations rather than relocation. One of the more immediate plans involves the development of a new fan zone behind the Rainham End. Additionally, the club is exploring the possibility of making better use of the rarely occupied Town End. These upgrades are part of a larger plan to enhance the matchday experience for fans while also accommodating the club’s growing attendance numbers, which currently average around 6,682.
At a recent fans’ forum, Galinson and his wife Shannon, who co-owns the club, addressed several questions about the stadium’s future. Galinson expressed his fondness for Priestfield, emphasizing its unique residential location and deep-rooted history in Gillingham. “As Americans, we think that the residentially-nestled Priestfield that’s been here 130 years is a pretty special thing,” Galinson said. He added that, while relocating may be necessary in the distant future, the focus for now is on enhancing what they already have. “If there’s no way to get to a capacity that would be sustainable in higher leagues here, then you’d have to open up a conversation about relocation, but that definitely would not be the ideal situation.”
For the moment, the Gills are concentrating on tangible, immediate upgrades. The club has already submitted plans to demolish an old building behind the Rainham End to make way for a new fan zone. Gillingham’s managing director, Joe Comper, explained that these plans have been fully costed and are awaiting planning approval. “We’ve done a pre-application, had a consultation with local residents, and everything seems to be progressing well,” Comper stated. The fan zone is expected to accommodate 960 people and will serve as a space for supporters before and during matches.
As for the long-standing issue of the Town End, which has largely remained unused, Galinson hinted that a new stand could be built once the club’s attendances warrant such an investment. For now, only the bottom half of the scaffold structure is in use, and any plans to rebuild are on hold until attendance reaches the stadium’s current capacity.
“There’s limited resources with any business, definitely a football club. We’ll spend our resources on the immediate needs,” Galinson said. “If attendances get high enough, great. It’s a good problem to have when we have no seats to sell, but we’re not there yet.”
In the meantime, Gillingham FC is exploring the possibility of using the Town End for home supporters when away crowds are small, as is often the case in League 2 matches. “If it warrants it, we’ll try and make it happen,” Comper confirmed.
While the club has aspirations of growing both on and off the pitch, for now, their efforts will be concentrated on making the most out of their historic home at Priestfield Stadium.
