Southend United shelved plans to build a new stadium last summer in a bid to save the club’s future.
The Shrimpers had hoped to move into a 21,000-seater stadium at Fossetts Farm, just half a mile from their current home.
Southend UnitedSouthend scrapped plans for a new 21,000-seater stadium last summer[/caption] Southend UnitedThe club first revealed plans for the ground back in 2017[/caption]However, their new owners opted to scrap the plans amid concerns over the club’s long-term future.
As a result, Southend continue to play at Roots Hall, their home since 1955.
The ground is in desperate need of redevelopment and restoration having undergone limited work since it opened.
Its capacity is currently restricted to 10,200, down from the 12,392 supporters it has previously held.
The crumbling arena is a far cry from Southend’s plans for the Fossetts Farm stadium.
Designs for the modern ground were revealed back in 2017 after an agreement with the council to build 500 homes on the site of Roots Hall.
Extra housing would have also been added at the site of the new stadium in a key component of financing the project.
At the time, Southend were in League One, having narrowly missed out on a play-off place the season prior.
Just four years later, though, the Blues were relegated from League Two after 101 years in the Football League.
Financial woes have since followed, impacting their hopes to leave Roots Hall.
The Shrimpers continue to play at Roots Hall, their home since 1955Rex FeaturesThe stadium plans were later altered with the capacity reduced to 16,226 and a proposed hotel dropped from the project.
Southend were hit with a ten-point deduction last season after failing to clear outstanding HMRC debt.
The club also faced a winding-up order, whilst the stadium plans were cited for holding up a potential takeover.
It ultimately caused the COSU consortium to scrap the plans after buying the club.
However, the residential aspect of the project remains in place amid plans for 800 homes to be built from 2026.
It was not the first time that Southend saw plans for a new stadium at Fossetts Farm shelved.
Southend were relegated in 2021 after 101 years in the Football LeagueGetty Images - GettyThe club was granted planning permission in 2007, after a public enquiry, but faced financial difficulties.
Southend wanted to build a 14,000 seater stadium in two phases.
The club said ‘difficult’ economic times’ meant it was looking to build a three-sided ground at Fossetts Farm before a fourth stand, and hotel, would later be built.
It took a further nine years before firm plans then emerged for a new ground.
Meanwhile, Southend remain in the fifth tier of English football following their drop into non-league.
With one match of the season remaining, Kevin Maher’s side sit seventh in the National League.
They are currently on course for their highest finish since relegation from League Two in 2021.
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