Blackpool Football Club’s plans to create a modern training facility for its first team and academy have taken a giant leap forward after the majority of the scheme was granted planning permission.
Wyre Council has granted consent for the project which includes a two-storey training centre, indoor pitch and 10 outdoor pitches, together with floodlights, parking, footpaths, and grounds management facilities.
PWA Planning has advised Blackpool FC on the planning application for the development which will sit on a 35-hectare greenfield site between Blackpool and Poulton-le-Fylde.
The club is now just waiting for neighbouring Blackpool Council to grant planning permission for the proposed access to the site off Steeton Road, as this part of the scheme lies within its jurisdiction.
Dan Hughes, planning director at PWA Planning, said: “We’ve been working with the football club, AFL Architects, and the wider project team for the last three years to bring this development to fruition.
“We know these facilities will have a hugely positive impact for the club, bringing its first team and academy on to a single site for the first time.
“We look forward to seeing the scheme move forward, subject to the planning permission for the access road and associated legal agreements.”
The training facility will replace the club’s existing outdated first-team training facilities at Squires Gate and the multiple sites used by the club’s academy. Bringing the academy on to a single site will provide the club with better facilities for developing its young players.
The project team for the planning application includes AFL Architects, Miller Goodall (air quality), Groundsure (environmental consultant), AEC (noise assessment), and MJMC (transport).
