Abandoned English stadium that looks like wasteland set for new lease of life after club vote

Non-league football club Grays Athletic have finally been given the green light to transform an abandoned stadium into their new home after years of ground sharing. The Isthmian League North Division side has been without a permanent base since it left the Recreation Ground in 2010, which was subsequently sold to developers.

Since then, they've shared pitches with East Thurrock United, West Ham United reserves, Aveley FC and Tilbury FC. However, it appears that the club's nomadic existence is set to end.

In 2024, they purchased Ship Lane, the former home of Thurrock FC, which folded in 2018. The once-bustling stadium has since fallen into disrepair, with images revealing overgrown grass and weeds engulfing both the pitch and the stands, while the clubhouse remains boarded up.

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A council vote has now paved the way for Grays to begin work on the stadium. There have been some alterations to the original design, and the club has been given a six-month deadline to commence work.

An official statement from the Grays Athletic board said: "As the variation to the plans were relatively insignificant, the planning officer recommended for the committee to approve the application and subsequently the planning committee voted in favour of the amended application.

"This now means as a football club, we can now start planning how we make Ship Lane our home for decades to come. We have made contact with Group One and our solicitors and hope the protracted process of transferring the stadium to us can be expedited, and we can begin the renovation works as soon as we are able to secure the funding necessary to transform the derelict stadium into a vibrant home for us and our community.

"Once we have more information to share with you, our loyal supporters, we will, of course, provide it to you at the earliest opportunity."

Grays Athletic will be eager to kickstart work on the stadium immediately, with an eye on moving into their new home by the start of the 2026/27 season. In the meantime, the club have agreed a new Partnership with a company called 'PRYMA', who will supply their players with grip socks.

An official statement from a club spokesman said: "We are delighted to partner with PRYMA to deliver a high-quality product for the club. We are thrilled to be able to work together to enhance our team's performance and look forward to a long-lasting partnership."

Meanwhile, the a PRYMA spokesperson said: "On behalf of Pryma, we are incredibly proud to announce our official partnership with Grays Athletic F.C, a club with such a strong local presence and a deep connection to the community.

"As a brand, Pryma was built on performance, passion, and the drive to support athletes at every level. Partnering with a club that shares these same values is something truly special for us.

"This partnership isn’t just about products, it’s about backing a club that inspires the next generation and represents what hard work and dedication can achieve. We’re excited to support the players, the club, and the incredible fans who make Grays Athletic what it is."

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