Planning submitted for AFC Bournemouth’s new training facility
AFL Architects in conjunction with AFC Bournemouth have submitted revised plans for an ambitious and aspirational training facility to bring together AFC Bournemouth's first team and the Academy in a single facility.
This bold move comes with their promotion to the Premier League in 2015. By investing in their players, Bournemouth hopes to commence its fifth consecutive season in football's top tier and inspire the youth academy by having them train on the same site as the senior squad they aspire to join.
The new 5000sqm+ training facility will be made up of a first team and an academy building that will include state-of-the-art medical, fitness, sports science and rehabilitation facilities, administrative space and a press conference theatre.
The centre will offer first-class facilities, including ten full-size pitches, three junior pitches, goalkeeping areas, a full size indoor pitch and a further outdoor artificial playing surface.
Situated in the South East Dorset green belt, the proposed development will be nestled on a former golf-course, neighbouring the Grade 1 listed Canford School. Careful consideration has been taken with the placement of the buildings within this established parkland setting to protect and enhance established stands of trees and to aid biodiversity. AFL has minimised the visual impact within this sensitive green belt site while maintaining privacy for all.
The centre will offer first-class facilities, including ten full-size pitches, three junior pitches, goalkeeping areas, a full size indoor pitch and a further outdoor artificial playing surface
The buildings will be constructed with careful detailing and sensitively chosen materials for a contemporary design that harmonises with the surrounding landscape. The dynamic appearance, however, will reflect the progressive and forward-thinking nature of AFC Bournemouth and create an exciting and unique training environment.
Bruce Caldwell, Senior Associate, AFL Architects, said: "AFL are delighted to be submitting this aspirational design on behalf of AFC Bournemouth. Our concept reflects the club's ambition for future success, delivering a high performance, future-proof environment that nevertheless carefully considers the sensitive nature of this site."
Eddie Howe, AFC Bournemouth Manager, said: "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."
You can read the full article from Sports Venue Business HERE
Images, courtesy: AFL Architects