PLANS to transform the Saints training ground in time for the club’s 125th anniversary celebrations are likely to get the go ahead next week.
Councillors are being recommended to approve proposals for a state-of-the-art redevelopment of the Staplewood facility in Long Lane, Marchwood.
Saints are planning to bulldoze the existing buildings – excluding the dome – and replace them with a new two-storey complex.
The scheme includes a medical centre, a players’ lounge and offices for coaching and administrative staff, plus a media and player briefing room.
Many of the existing facilities will be upgraded, including the kitchen, restaurant and first-team changing and shower rooms.
Saints say the current buildings at Staplewood are “basic” and “unattractive”, with some of the areas deemed “significantly sub-standard”.
The club believes the training ground should match the Premier League set-up at St Mary’s.
Its application to redevelop the site is due to be debated by New Forest District Council’s planning and development control committee next Wednesday.
