Using Chat GPT for a Future Folkestone Invicta stadium , the following was produced:

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Three future-stadium concepts (practical to aspirational)

Below are three realistic trajectories for the club — from an incremental, high-value upgrade to a full new-build stadium/masterplan. I gave each a short sketch of features, approximate capacity, likely benefits, and a very rough cost/ timeline band (benchmarked against similar UK projects like AFC Wimbledon’s Plough Lane and other non-league redevelopments).

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Option A — “Smart Upgrade” (low-cost, fast)

A modest, high-impact upgrade focused on matchday experience and non-match revenue while keeping the existing footprint.

What it includes

• Permanent replacement of terraces with modular covered seating behind one or both goals (small cantilever roof sections).

• Refurbished main stand with additional seats (~1,000→1,400 total capacity), better corporate/box space for matchday hospitality.

• New disabled viewing platforms, improved turnstiles, upgraded concourse with food & drink kiosks, improved restrooms.

• Retain 3G pitch and add perimeter advertising/fan zone.
  Benefits

• Fast delivery (6–12 months after funding), relatively low disruption.

• Increases comfort and match-day revenue without complex planning.
  Estimated scale/cost (very rough)

• Capacity: ~1,200–1,800.

• Indicative cost: £0.3M–£1.2M depending on scope (seating, roofing, hospitality fit-out).
  When to pick this

• If the priority is immediate improvement, community use, and minimizing risk.

 

Here's what it suggests it looks like:-

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Option B — “Community Stadium” (medium)

A more ambitious redevelopment that turns the ground into a community hub and part-new stadium while keeping much of the existing site.

What it includes

• Replace one main stand with a modern two-tier stand (terrace + seating), covered family/fan stand on opposite side, improved corporate suite and function room for non-match events.

• Integrated community facilities (gym/studio, meeting rooms), small museum/shop and café/bar (year-round revenue).

• Improved lighting to broadcast standards, upgraded accessibility and transport/parking plan.
  Benefits

• Greater revenue mix (events, community hire), improved fan experience and ability to attract higher attendances.
  Estimated scale/cost (very rough)

• Capacity: ~2,000–3,500.

• Indicative cost: £1.5M–£6M depending on structure, M&E and community fit-out.
  When to pick this

• If the club wants a medium-term home that services community programmes, youth, women’s teams and commercial events.

 

Option C — “New Build Premier” (aspirational)

Full rebuild/new stadium on a green-field or brownfield nearby site: modern, expandable, multi-use — futureproofed for higher leagues.

What it includes

• New 4,000–6,000 capacity all-seater stadium with one or two covered stands, hospitality boxes, community facilities, fan plaza, improved transport access and parking.

• Retail/office/residential mixed-use component to cross-fund the stadium (common in UK stadium projects).

• Sustainable design (PV, rainwater harvesting, low carbon materials).
  Benefits

• Long-term asset enabling growth to higher leagues, increased commercial income, modern matchday experience.
  Estimated scale/cost (very rough)

• Capacity: 4,000–6,000 (expandable).

• Indicative cost: £8M–£30M+ (very dependent on land, planning, mixed-use components).
  When to pick this

• If the club has or can secure a development partner, land and long-term commercial strategy.

Benchmark: AFC Wimbledon's Plough Lane (a higher-tier example) shows how community integration and mixed-use funding are commonly used to deliver modern stadia — useful for ambition and funding structure planning.