Bournemouth's new training centre moves a step closer

BOURNEMOUTH have had plans for a new multi-million pound training complex approved by Poole Council.

The plans, which were submitted in August, now only require approval from the Secretary of State. Councillors unanimously voted in favour of the development of the 57-acre Canford Magna Golf Club site, which the club acquired earlier this year.

Bournemouth's plans would bring first team, development squad, Academy and pre-Academy training operations and facilities into one location.

The complex will offer first-class facilities including 10 full-sized pitches, three junior pitches, an indoor artificial playing surface, state-of-the-art medical, fitness, sports science and rehabilitation facilities, administrative space and a press conference theatre.

Currently the first team train on a site adjacent to the club’s Vitality Stadium, while the Academy is based at Canford Park.

“I am delighted that Borough of Poole has approved the club’s planning application, subject to Secretary of State referral,” said AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake.

“A new training complex will be a huge step forward for the club and we have endeavoured to propose one which is befitting of a Premier League club, while also providing the perfect environment – both sporting and educational – to develop youngsters in the area.

“It was important that we designed a facility that is sympathetic to the green belt site it is located on and we believe this is something the whole region can be proud of.”