A state-of-the-art community facility is poised to be developed in the heart of County Durham to nurture the next generation of football talent in the North East. The Beamish Football Centre, renowned for producing several Newcastle United and Championship professionals, is set to undergo a significant refurbishment with funding totalling approximately £1.6 million. The centre will serve as an educational and sports hub, equipped with top-tier facilities comparable to those found in the Premier League, catering to both male and female footballers.
An artist’s impression of the upgraded site has been revealed, and construction is slated to commence in January, led by the North East firm, MGM Construction. Ryan Gardiner, Director of MGM Construction, has expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the potential impact of the enhanced centre on the local community. This ambitious initiative marks the realization of a decade-long aspiration, stemming from the restoration of the disused Stanley School of Technology by the local non-profit organization, Stanley Events. The conversion of the former PE block into the Beamish Football Centre has already positively influenced the lives of over 3,000 individuals, with Sunderland AFC’s Foundation of Light regularly conducting coaching programs at the facility.
The planned renovations will breathe new life into the ageing space, with upgraded training facilities and the addition of a new bar and function area. The interior will be reconfigured to accommodate educational and fitness training areas, while larger rooms will offer increased access to training courses.
The funding for the project has been made possible by the Youth Investment Fund, which has allocated over £300 million to youth-related projects across the UK. The initiative was spearheaded by Stanley Events, in collaboration with architect Mawson Kerr and consulting engineers Jasper Kett and Elvet Consultants. After operating at near-full capacity for an extended period, Carl Marshall, co-director of Stanley Events, has expressed delight at the forthcoming construction commencement in 2024, underscoring the importance of finding the right construction partner for this significant endeavour.
The community eagerly awaits the completion of the revamped Beamish Football Centre, which is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of football in the North East.
This article was published in the Bdaily’s Members’ News section by Pay-as-Hugo.
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