Welcome to Exeter's biggest sand pit!

The once lush Sandy Park pitch is all but a distant memory as workmen prepare to lay a new hybrid surface.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the stands is the city's biggest Meccano set.

Huge cranes have been swinging giant metal girders into place that will form new conferencing facilities and extra office space.

The work is all part of the Chiefs ambitious, long-term plans to transform Sandy Park into a state-of-the-art stadium that will eventually see the ground capacity double to 20,600 .

The main part of the works this summer will see the existing West Grandstand undergo a £7.5 million transformation, doubling it’s capacity for usage on both match-days and events throughout the course of the week; while other plans will see a new East Terrace developed in time for the start of next season, as well as £1m spent on the pitch as the Chiefs bring into play a new DESSO Grassmaster hybrid playing surface.

It underlines once again the commitment being shown to ensure Sandy Park will be the home of premier sport and events for the whole of the South West for many years to come.

“Work at Sandy Park is progressing nicely,” said Chiefs Chairman Tony Rowe. “The redevelopment plans are certainly moving along at quite a pace.

“Over the coming weeks and months people will see a total transformation of Sandy Park, both inside and outside the complex, and come the conclusion I know we will have a facility that will be the envy of many throughout the region.

“This is a significant investment into a complex we know will provide state-of-the-art and first class services for all those that come to use it.”

In addition, the new DESSO pitch – which is used at various leading sports ground around the world, including both Twickenham and the Aviva Stadium – will not only provide the Chiefs with a superior playing surface, but will allow for more intensive use, even better drainage nad faster recovery times.

The detailed plans have been welcomed by many across the region, including Derek Phillips, vice-chairman of Exeter Chamber of Commerce, who said: “Sandy Park is a great example of success both on and off the pitch. The club is driving up business throughout the city.”

Whilst John Harvey, Exeter City Centre manager, added: “The Exeter Chiefs have brought great sporting success and economic success to the city. “The club is doing a remarkable job and this development will only be of benefit to everyone in the city.”