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The upgrade to the existing facilities will provide more changing rooms, better gym facilities, offices, catering and lounge facilities for players and parents of our young players. A further building will be erected on the current goalkeeper coaching area 'The Cabbage Patch' housing a 60x40 metre 3G indoor training facility.
We first reported the plans in September and they were passed by the council in November but had to be forwarded to the Secretary of State because of the location. Two days ago came the news that the Government will not intervene with full planning permission granted.
That's fantastic news for our club who have fallen behind so many other clubs over the years due to a lack of investment at Gawthorpe. Steven Caldwell was critical of the facilities in an interview just before leaving at the end of last season and more recently Clarke Carlisle has had his say.
Apart from the first team, and perhaps even more importantly, it is wonderful news in terms of youth development. This redevelopment will help the club hugely in terms of any future application for academy status.
Burnley Football Club, at the end of 2010, were still confirming that work will start early in 2011 with a completion date of 1st July 2011 in time for the players returning for pre-season training.