Revised, improved plans for AFC Bournemouth’s new multi-million pound training complex have today (Thursday, 3rd October) been approved by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, subject to Secretary of State referral.
Councillors unanimously voted in favour of the development of the 57-acre former Canford Magna Golf Club site, which the club has owned for more than two years.
In December 2017, AFC Bournemouth received planning permission from Borough of Poole for the scheme but submitted amended plans to the existing permission to the new local authority earlier this year.
A phased build will create a state-of-the-art facility which will bring the Cherries’ first team, development squad, academy and pre-academy training operations and facilities into one location.
The centre will offer first-class facilities, including ten full-size pitches, three junior pitches, an indoor artificial playing surface, an outdoor artificial playing surface, state-of-the-art medical, fitness, sports science and rehabilitation facilities, administrative space and a press conference theatre.
Under the terms of the previous planning permission, granted in December 2017, the existing building structures on the site have been demolished, while land levelling of the former golf course is due to commence later this month.
The club have also put all major construction packages out to tender.
AFC Bournemouth chief executive, Neill Blake, said: "I am delighted that Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has approved our amended plans for the training complex at Canford Magna.
"This is a development which will be state-of-the-art in its design and facilities, while remaining sympathetic to the green belt land it is situated on.
"It is a hugely important scheme, as it will help continue the club’s progression at the highest level of football, which will in turn have a positive effect on the region as a whole.
"This is an incredibly exciting time for the club, both on and off the pitch."
