Eastbourne Borough are to install a 3G pitch at Priory Lane in time for next season.

The club have confirmed a finance agreement is in place for the work to start on May 9.

It will be completed by July 15 with the grand opening scheduled for Saturday July 16.

The pitch will be laid by the same company that have produced the artificial turf pitches at both Maidstone United and Sutton.

Eastbourne Borough believe the move will have a number of benefits, primarily as a generator of finances for the club but also allowing all the club’s junior teams to train at one venue.

Chairman Paul Maynard said: “This is one of the most significant developments in the club’s history and it’s a great way to mark our 50th anniversary.

“We have wanted to construct a 3G pitch at Priory Lane for years but the funding has never been available.

“When the National League confirmed last year that its member clubs could play their matches on FIFA 2 star artificial pitches, we were able to devise a business plan to enable us to convince the likes of CF Capital and the local council that such a plan made sound economic sense.

“In future years, this should enable us to come up with a playing budget that can not only sustain the club financially in this league but in the league above as well. This should demonstrate to everyone that the club remains as ambitious as ever.

“Whilst finance is the main driver for our decision, there are many other benefits that will flow from the development. We have always been a club at the heart of the community and for the first time all of our youth teams can train on the same site.

“We have ambitious plans to expand the academy and development centre and to make Eastbourne Borough the football hub of East Sussex and beyond.

“We will be able to host cup finals, charity and benefit matches, school competitions and, with vastly increased visitor numbers to Priory Lane, this should help swell the crowds on match days. That has certainly been the experience of other clubs who have gone down this route.

“I also firmly believe that playing on a 3G pitch will suit our style of football. We’re always at our best when playing a quick passing game and despite having one of the best grass pitches in non-league football we always seem to suffer a dip in form mid-season when pitches start to get heavier. An all-weather pitch should encourage more consistent home performances.”