Project Update looks at Blackpool FC's new training ground scheme

Planning permission was granted by Fylde Council just over 12 months ago (March 9 2016) for new facilities at Blackpool Football Club’s training ground on Martin Avenue in St Annes.
The scheme is for changing rooms, a classroom, offices, a hospitality area and players canteen, a rehabilitation gym and physiotherapist rooms.
It is proposed to build the new amenities following the demolition of existing buildings.

According to a design brief accompanying the application, the investment is necessary in order to upgrade facilities.
The report says: “The existing buildings at Squires Gate are no longer fit for purpose and in order to enable the club to invest in the future it is necessary for these to be replaced on a permanent basis.”
It adds: “It is now the aspiration of the club to return to the Championship and beyond. Part of this journey requires the replacement of their training facilities with modern fit for purpose facilities, which are the subject of this planning application.”

Last September, club chairman Karl Oyston said the club was not looking to proceed with the scheme at that time.
When asked by The Gazette for an update, the club said there were “no details for the public domain at this moment in time.”

Christine Seddon, deputy chairman of the Blackpool Supporters Trust, said: “Ian Holloway described the training ground as a hellhole in 2009 . 
“Even when we got to the Premier League they didn’t do anything about it.
“It is a classic example of the complete lack of investment in football despite the amount of money that has come in.
“As things stand now, they are certainly not going to spend any money on it. It is a visual reminder of their attitude towards owning a football club.”