Building work on AFC Bournemouth’s new multi-million pound training complex will begin imminently.
The club received planning permission for the 57-acre former Canford Magna Golf Club site in December 2017 from Borough of Poole.
Revised, improved plans are currently being drawn up to make the centre a state-of-the-art facility, which will then be resubmitted to the new local authority, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, as an amendment to the existing planning permission.
Once approved, the development will commence with immediate effect.
The club are planning a phased build which will bring AFC Bournemouth’s 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.
AFC Bournemouth chief executive, Neill Blake, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for the club.
“It has always been the board’s intention to develop and improve our infrastructure to something that is befitting of a Premier League club with elite, international players.
“Now we are fulfilling the first step of that ambition with this training complex development.
“This development demonstrates the owner and board’s commitment to keep the club moving in the right direction, both on and off the pitch; continuing to be competitive in the Premier League, while achieving financial stability.”
AFC Bournemouth manager, Eddie Howe, added: “This is huge news for everyone connected with the club.
“It has been vitally important that we improve our infrastructure and I am delighted that the development will start as soon as the improved plans are approved.
“This world-class development will provide a legacy from the club being in the Premier League.
“It will enable us to get the best out of every single player on our books, help attract new players to the club and, crucially, improve our academy status to develop more young players who will hopefully become first team players.”
