THE NEXT stage of AFC Bournemouth’s proposed move to a new stadium has been announced.

The club has brought in an external company to conduct market research into supporters’ requirements for the new venue.

Cherries have appointed firm Stadimax, which will work from the club’s offices at Vitality Stadium.

In July, the Cherries announced they had identified a site in Kings Park as the preferred option for development.

With the support of Bournemouth Borough Council, the club hoped to move into their new stadium for the start of the 2020/21 season.

In the next part of the process, AFC Bournemouth will work with Stadimax to assess the requirements and identify the needs of those who will regularly use the stadium.

This phased research begins this week with existing corporate clients.

Later in the year, a selection of season ticket holders, Cherries priority points holders and parents of Junior Cherries will be contacted as the next stage of research.

That is in addition to continued consultation with supporters through already-established means such as focus groups.

“The club are very keen that the new stadium design reflects the requirements of AFC Bournemouth supporters and the wider community,” said AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake.

“Therefore, it is important we ask the right questions to the right people, so that we can brief our architects ahead of the design stage.”

Stadimax more than 18 years of experience, providing integrated commercial and operational advice and solutions to a range of football clubs including West Ham United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Swansea City, Fulham, and Brentford.

Ken Sharp, managing director of Stadimax Group, said: “The new stadium development project represents great opportunities for AFC Bournemouth and the community, and we are excited to bring in our knowledge and expertise to contribute to its success.”

Cherries plans for a new training ground at the former site of Canford Magna Golf Course, at Knighton Lane, were submitted to Borough of Poole last month.

The proposals for a substantial facility on the site are still open to public comments.