Bournemouth complete phase one of new training ground with indoor dome

BOURNEMOUTH’S new indoor dome has opened, completing phase one of their training ground redevelopment and ensuring they are now Category Two compliant.

Although the Cherries were promoted to Category Two last July, this was contingent on them completing an indoor dome and pitch. The dome is now in use and will eventually connect to a 6,000 square metre curved training pavilion containing first team and Academy facilities.

This is still under construction and will be ready by the end of the season. Preston-based Collinson Construction worked alongside the club’s architects, AFL, to design the full-size indoor training building that sits at the heart of the new Canford Magna training site.

The building features a BestHall clear span structure that is 77 metres wide, 107m in length and has a 17m height ridge.

After receiving Category Two status last July, Bournemouth Chief Executive Neill Blake said: “This exciting development is the latest positive step for us, with (owner) Bill (Foley) continuing his plans to invest in and develop all aspects of the football club.

“Lots of hard work has been put into achieving Category Two status from staff in the academy and across the club, and is an example of what we are striving to achieve here. Following the integration of our women’s team, this is another crucial step for us in growing every area of AFC Bournemouth.

“We can now look ahead to continued success and development for the Academy and the whole club.”

Academy Manager Sam Gisborne added: “This is great news for the Academy and the whole club. We are really looking forward to taking this next step. I’d just like to say a massive thank you to all academy staff, past and present, for their hard work.”