SAINTS are celebrating today after their hopes of making a return to the Premier League received a major off-the-pitch boost.

Council chiefs have approved the club’s latest proposal to provide “world class” facilities at its training ground on the edge of the New Forest.

The Staplewood site in Long Lane, Marchwood, will be equipped with state-of-the-art medical and treatment units, plus a new spectators’ stand.

All the existing buildings with the exception of the Dome will be demolished. They will be replaced with a two-storey complex based on a visitors’ centre in a French national park.

The design will make extensive use of timber cladding to help the building blend in with its woodland setting.

A smaller proposal to upgrade the Staplewood site was given the go-ahead at the beginning of last year.

Now New Forest District Council has approved a more ambitious scheme that will be more than twice the size of the existing buildings. The new facilities will include:
• An enhanced treatment suite with a rehab area.


• A hydrotherapy swimming pool with hot and cold plunge pools.


• A larger gym for first team players.


• Additional changing rooms for the youth team.


• A lecture theatre for press briefings and seminars.

The scheme is part of the club’s campaign to achieve Premier League status within five years.

Simon Chadwick, the club’s planning agent, told councillors that the proposed development would put Saints on an equal footing with other top clubs across the country.

He added: “We hope the advances the club is currently making on the pitch will soon be matched by new training facilities at Staplewood.”

Councillor Mike Saxby, representing Marchwood Parish Council, said reserve team games played at the ground resulted in spectators parking in surrounding roads and creating a safety hazard.

Mr Chadwick said the club was planning to almost double the number of parking spaces at Staplewood – from 60 to 115.

Councillor Maureen Holding described the proposed development as “absolutely brilliant”.

She told the club’s representatives: “I hope you get into the Premiership soon.

You deserve it with all the thought you have put into this scheme.”

Councillor Alison Hoare, who represents Marchwood, also supported the application.

She said: “They’re not increasing the number of pitches at Staplewood and assure me that when they reach the Premier League reserve matches will be played at St Mary’s.”

After the meeting a club spokesman said work on scheme would start in July.

He added: “The new training complex will create a vibrant and dynamic learning hub that will help to provide Southampton with a Premier League club in years to come.

“This exciting stage in the club’s development means that the players will benefit from world class training facilities that exceed current Premier League standards.