How Newcastle training ground will look as extension plan confirmed

United have submitted planning permission for 1,350 square metres of what they say will be "necessary new-build accommodation, focusing on new office and meeting space and additional support facilities". The club say the redevelopment will look to build upon the significant work already carried out at Benton "helping to deliver elite performance facilities for our players and staff". Newcastle say work to identify a new site for a future training facility is continuing.

RECOMMENDED READING: Outlining their revelopment plans, Newcastle said in a statement: "The existing building will be reconfigured to provide further treatment spaces and staff support areas, alongside improved front of house facilities and an enlarged players' lounge. "The site is currently occupied by 140 personnel. Staff and visitor numbers to the site will remain unchanged following the extension.



"The proposal improves space planning, and provides enhanced facilities by enabling the removal of low quality temporary buildings. "The site area includes revised car parking to the north and west perimeter of the extension, with pedestrian access into the office, media and storage spaces. "Accessible parking spaces have been provided along the north of the extension in close proximity to the main entrance.

"Photovoltaics (PV) have been combined on the roof of the new extension and areas of existing roof to offset electrical loads on the site." Newcastle have released an image of how their redeveloped base will look. If the plans are approved, work is expected to be completed next summer.

Chief executive Darren Eales last month confirmed a new training ground remained a major part of Newcastle's "medium-term" plans - with bosses wanting the new facility to be within close reach of the city centre. Eales said: "We're doing a lot of that work that you need to do in the background to be in position when we've identified the site that's appropriate to then go with full speed. "So all of that work is going on in the background.

And at the right time, obviously we're going to come to a point when we'll be making that public and we'll bring you all in and explain where it is, what we're looking to do. "But it's something that we're certainly excited about. And it's something that, again, speaks to ownership.

We know that we have to do that.".