Villa unveil plans for new facilities
Aston Villa have unveiled plans for a new £8m training complex which will involve extending their current headquarters at Bodymoor Heath.
Villa chairman Doug Ellis admitted the current facilities, built in 1971, were looking “tired” and in need of a substantial redevelopment.
Work on phase one of the project is set to get under way shortly on an area of 40,000 square feet adjacent to Bodymoor Heath which is situated only a mile or so from Drayton Manor Park.
The new complex will include an indoor training centre, four full-sized grass pitches, 15 changing rooms, swimming pool and gymnasium as well as offices and a dining area.
Former Villa manager John Gregory had been amongst those to complain that an overhaul of Villa’s training facilities was needed during his reign which ended in early 2002.
Current team boss David O’Leary is also in favour of a revamp which he believes is crucial for attracting budding talent to Villa.
Ellis told shareholders at today’s AGM: “Bodymoor Heath was built in 1971 and the current complex is now looking, shall we say, tired and the new project will make us all very proud for many years to come.
“I am sure it will also help us in attracting new players. I hope this facility will compare with the best there is around.”
Villa studied the facilities at Arsenal, Manchester United, Blackburn and Middlesbrough as part of their research before drawing up the plans for a project which it is hoped will be completed in two years.
The funding is being provided from a budget separate to that which determines how much money O’Leary has to spend in the transfer market.
O’Leary said: “This is something we’ve desperately needed and is something I’ve been pushing for.
“It will excite the players who are here and will help to attract other ones to the club.”
