The fans of non-league football club Maidstone United have contributed £4,000 (US$5,197, €4,693) towards the cost of a new stand which was unveiled last week.

A fundraising campaign has been set up by the club as it attempts to garner supporter donations to pay for the 1,768-capacity structure, which is likely to cost in the region of £600,000 (US$779,675, €704,054) to £750,000 (US$974,594, €880,066).

The plans to upgrade Maidstone’s Gallagher Stadium were revealed to supporters and stakeholders. The all-standing enclosure will have 11 double rows and access for four wheelchairs.

Subject to planning approval, construction is scheduled to begin in the autumn and be completed next March. The development will increase the stadium’s capacity to more than 4,000, although during the construction phase capacity is likely to be reduced to 2,500.

Co-owner Terry Casey said the improvements were “essential” for the club’s membership of the National League – the highest tier of non-league football which the club was promoted to last season.

“The new stand will be an impressive structure and it will totally change the look and feel of the stadium,” he added. “It is going to be a busy and challenging few months but with the backing of our supporters and business partners, we will deliver this project in the same efficient manner we have with the previous one.”