MONDAY will see work begin on improving Spennymoor Town's ground so that it meets ‘Grade B’ status, ensuring they can compete in the play-offs should they finish in the top seven.

The deadline is March 31, by which time Moors say capacity the Brewery Field will exceed 3,000, which is the minimum required, with the potential to increase 5,000 with further modifications over the next 12 to 18 months.

Phase one of the development will see a wall on the right of the Wood Vue turnstiles moved back to provide create extra capacity. There will also be four new spectator entrances installed on that side of Wood Vue.

A female-only officials’ changing room will be created within the Ramside Estates Main Stand, while the dugouts will also be replaced with two 11-seater dugouts and an extra four-seater to accommodate officials.

The most dramatic development will see 503 seats installed at the North East end of the ground, behind the goal, taking the venue's seated capacity to 753 (500 covered seats are required for Grade A status).

Contractors will be PJ Steel Construction Ltd incorporating Stadium Solutions, Arena Stadia, Pro Com and RWS Solutions.

Phase two begins in May, with with plans to increase the capacity to beyond 5,000. This will involve higher terracing/canopy stands at the south-east and south-west sides of the ground, while also being considered is the erection of a new two-storey club-house in the north-east corner, a reduction in the severity of the incline on the playing surface, the installation of an irrigation, sprinkler and drainage system to aid ground maintenance; and a new perimeter fence around the field.

Spennymoor currently sit fifth in the National League North ahead of today's game at York City.

Bradley Groves, chief executive, said: “We made significant improvements to the stadium and our match day experience at the start of this season in preparation for life at this level. We’re now surpassing all expectations on the pitch, which is making life in the National League a real possibility, so we have to prepare effectively for a possible place in the play-offs.

“The feedback on our new Platinum Club suite and catering additions around the ground has been very positive. We now offer some of the best hospitality in the National League North.

“Following my Christmas update issued on December 21, I’m pleased to be able to share more about some of the exciting developments we have planned.

“Our masterplan for the Brewery Field will ultimately see us make the jump to ‘Grade A’. The Phase One plans will be complete before March 31, allowing us to take part in the play-offs should we reach them. The finer details of Phase Two are still being confirmed. They will be shared before the end of the season (May 2018), but will go ahead regardless of the division Spennymoor are playing in next season.

“As always, we’ll work with the local authorities and the residents in the surrounding areas so the relevant permissions are sought.

“It has taken a considerable amount of work behind the scenes to reach this point and it’s intersecting with a number of other major developments. We are down to a shortlist of three exceptional candidates for our newly-created Managing Director role and we hope to have the successful candidate in-post by April. Following our earlier news release, I am also speaking to potential investors to help us continue our upward momentum.

“I think these developments show just how much effort and investment we are putting into taking all aspects of this football club to the next level. We need to make the whole match day experience as enjoyable and professional as possible for our loyal supporters and to attract bigger attendances as we continue to increase the stature of Spennymoor Town FC.”