SOUTHEND United is urging fans to pledge their support after releasing an exclusive fly-through video of its proposed new stadium complex.

A video released on the club’s website gives fans a fly-through view of the complex planned for Fossetts Farm. The video gives a glimpse of Supporters Way leading to the ground, the Fan Plaza, as well as views from the inside the ground.

The plans for the new stadium off Eastern Avenue, are currently being scrutinised by planning officers. The stadium, which will replace Roots Hall, will be considered by Southend Council’s development control committee in the coming months.

In a message to fans, a Southend United spokesman said: “You play a pivotal part in enabling us to enter a new and exciting era in the history of this great football club. Now it’s time to take it up a notch by sending in your positive comments to the council’s online application portal.

“We cannot stress enough how important every one of your comments are in gaining the planning approval to move our club into its new stadium and training facilities so please place them on the application portal.”

The plans include flats, shops, a hotel and multi-screen cinema in addition to the brand new stadium, designed by Populous, who were responsible for Arsenal’s Emirates and are working on Tottenham’s new stadium. The sleekly designed building is a residential and retail complex wrapped around the new stadium.

There are large open areas along with specially-designed blue metal gates leading on to a tree-lined pedestrian pathway.

The plans, which were lodged with the council at the end of April, have been registered by planning officers who are considering their recommendations. The development, which will also have a 107 room Hilton Hotel, are set to provide a large number of jobs and a boost to the local economy.

A Populous spokesman said “The way in which Southend United have integrated homes, business, leisure and sport together under one roof is a global first. This is a brilliant and innovative development”. Search 17/00733/FULM on Southend Council’s planning portal.