AVELEY'S new state-of-the-art stadium is just months away from completion.

The Thurrock Gazette was invited down to Parkside, where the Millers will host their home fixtures from the start of the 2017/18 campaign, for a Media Open Day.

Club secretary Craig Johnson and marketing & press manager Jamie Manktelow hosted a guided tour of south Essex's newest football arena, which is only a stone's throw from Mill Field on Park Lane.

And Manktelow is pleased with the progression of the new stadium, which has cost £4.8m.

Manktelow said: "We are hoping that the stadium will be ready by late July or early August.

"We are confident that the stadium will be ready by the start of the new season.

"We have actually requested for our first game of the season to be played at home, so it needs to be ready."

Thurrock Gazette:

Opposite Parkside's main stand is another seated area with 152 seats

The new 3,500 capacity stadium has also been built so that Aveley's new home could be used for various events.

Johnson said: "We have a small function room so that we can have small birthday parties and things like that.

"The bar will not just be open on matchdays. We want to bring money into the club.

"The 3G pitch will also allow us to bring money in."

A 3G artificial pitch will be put in place before the new campaign with the hope of renting out the pitch.

Other non-league clubs such as Maidstone United and Sutton United also have an artificial surface, with both clubs gaining thousands of pounds by renting the pitch out to local clubs and the community.

Aveley will also be starting an academy next season, with a full-size floodlit pitch being installed next to the stadium and first-team training pitches.

Parkside's floodlights face both the training pitches and the stadium, with those over the stadium being fitted with LED lights.

Thurrock Gazette:

Aveley's old home, Mill Field, can still be seen from Parkside

The main stand, meanwhile, will have four rows of seating along with a retractable tunnel for the players and match officials.

A kitchen will also serve food and drinks to supporters on the inside and outside of the stadium.

The home changing room has been fitted with a physiotherapist room for matchdays, while the match officials have three separate changing areas.

The main stand's roof also have 55 solar panels fitted.

However, Johnson did warn supporters that there may be one part of the new stadium they will not be happy with.

"We are having to bring the toilets over from Mill Field," added Johnson.

"But they will only be here temporarily."

The Millers will share their new stadium with Grays Athletic, who will join Aveley in the Ryman North following their relegation from the Ryman Premier League.

Manktelow confirmed: "We have been groundsharing with Grays at Mill Field.

"We have agreed for them to stay here for two years."

Aveley will move into Parkside after 66 years at Mill Field.