Vale work in partnership with Sports Direct

Port Vale has started laying the internal foundations to what will be the new Club Shop and Ticket Office.

The club will be working in partnership with Sports Direct who specialise in installing new shops at football clubs.

Work officially started today with the flooring and drainage being installed on the site located on Hamil Road. The building work will be finished by the end of June.

John Booth, Commercial Director, said: “It’s great news because it’s a partnership with one of the biggest sports retailers in the country, Sports Direct.

“They are putting their knowledge and helping us financially to provide the fans with a superb new facility which will have the Ticket Office and the Club Shop in one place.

“They have got the buying power, expertise and they can deliver the project in a shorter time-scale.

“Work started today, May 21 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of June.

“We have got a new kit coming out and a range of new products and we have provided fans with a bigger choice and wider variety.”

Once completed, the building will home both the Club Shop and Ticket Office, making it easier for supporters to purchase tickets and merchandise at the same time.

“The other part of it is to combine ticketing with retail so supporters can buy a ticket and buy a shirt on the same trip and make life a lot easier for fans,” he said.

The old Club Shop located within the Lorne Street Stand concourse will be developed into a brand new family zone where children and parents can enjoy lots of family activities.

He added: “Part of the logic in moving the shop is to release the space where the current Club Shop is to create a family zone which is the plan.”

We will have a picture update over the coming weeks so that you can see the transformation.