POOLE Town’s new home may seem slightly familiar to Cherries fans, as the Dolphins’ plans for a new ground will be based on their Premier League neighbours’ Vitality Stadium.

Whilst the stadium will be by no means a carbon copy of Dean Court, it will be built in a similar style according to Poole Director, Andy Rossiter, eventually reaching a similar capacity of 12,000.

Plans have been drawn up for what is hoped to be the end of an arduous road for the nomadic Dolphins, who have not had a permanent home of their own since being turfed out of Poole Stadium 28 years ago.

Rossiter also confirmed that once planning permission had been granted, the ground would be built in phases, starting with a main stand potentially housing NHS healthcare facilities, as well as rooms for educational and social purposes.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Rossiter stated: “The new ground will be built similar to Dean Court, but in stages.

"It will be built in phases, as per requirements, depending on what league we’re in, and what investment is coming in.

“The ambition is to become a Football League club, so we need a ground suitable for that level.”

With the total cost of the project coming in at “around the £10 million mark”, the club have begun talk with numerous investors. Whilst talks with potential partners remained confidential, Rossiter did hint that the council could potentially help with funding.

“It is fair to say that one of those investors might be the council themselves. There is the opportunity for a community stadium with public healthcare facilities, learning classrooms and that sort of stuff.

“We’ll be driven by the council, what they feel their needs are, and what would benefit the people of Poole.”

Ultimately with all four stands constructed, capacity could reach between 10,000 and 12,000, depending on the level of investment – and the level of football Poole are playing at.

Still temporarily based at Tatnam Farm, a makeshift solution since October 2000, the Dolphins will meet with high-ranking council officials in August in order to fine tune plans for a “community stadium.”

Whilst the lease on their current base runs out in December 2024, the club remains in talks in regards to a potential extension that would allow them to construct their new home.

Talks which pre-dated the pandemic have been fruitful, with Poole confident that their near 30-year search for a new stadium will finally come to an end.

The Daily Echo had previously reported that the club had located their desired site for the project – whilst also confirming that there would be no return to the Speedway Stadium.

Dolphins harbour ambitions of becoming a Football League side, but any surge through the leagues would require a new home, as their current base at Tatnam is a massive hurdle.

After finishing fifth in their debut National South campaign, Poole were barred from competing in the play-offs thanks to facilities being deemed inadequate.

Due to the temporary nature of the lease, it has become increasingly difficult for Poole to make the required changes, with any improvements on the ground not allowed to be permanent fixtures.

With sections of Poole’s fanbase growing frustrated by the secrecy surrounding the project, Rossiter stressed that there was a real sense of confidence and excitement in the boardroom.

“It is within touching distance, you can almost feel it,” he restarted.

“It’s that close.

“For the fans, it has been a long time coming. Too many false dawns, and we’ve got to deliver on this.”