Preston architect designs state-of-the-art training complex for Premier League club

A new state-of-the art multi-million training complex has been unveiled by Preston architect the Frank Whittle Partnership (FWP) for Premier League side Huddersfield Town.

Detailed designs for the new PPG Canalside are being shown to supporters of The Terriers this week as the ambitious club shows fans the expansion and development plans of the club’s first team training facilities, estimated to be worth in the region of £20m.

FWP, one of the UK’s most experienced multi-disciplinary construction practices and an expert in all aspects of sports stadia, is leading the project to provide the building blocks that enable Huddersfield Town to consolidate its position in one of Europe’s top four football leagues.

FWP, based in Preston and Manchester, is providing facilities such as a hydrotherapy suite, new changing rooms and gymnasiums, medical treatment areas, media and commercial zones, staff office space, dining and social spaces.

There will be an additional state-of-the-art turf pitch identical to the one in the Kirklees Stadium to go with the two turf and one 3g surface that already exist at the training ground complex.

The former groundsman’s store is being turned into a dedicated U18 and U23 facility with changing areas, gymnasium, offices and classrooms.

The complex will also provide a five lane 30m running track, a covered viewing stand, moveable video wall, audio/visual video equipment and a warm-up area.

Julian Winter, Huddersfield Town’s chief executive, said: “The club has always intended to push forward with development plans for the training ground and I am excited we have now reached the stage where we can consult with supporters.”

Neil Ainsworth, design director at FWP, said: “The training facilities we have created are of a standard and quality to enable the club to attract and retain the footballing talent needed as it looks to consolidate its position in the Premier League.

“It’s a strong statement of intent and ambition from Huddersfield Town and its owner Dean Hoyle, and we are delighted we are playing our role in delivering it.”

To date more than 80 sports clubs large and small across the country have benefited from FWP’s advice, with many of them going on to design and build modern new facilities.

It is a growing list. Championship club Preston North End’s striking Deepdale ground was led by FWP and ambitious National League club AFC Fylde’s new home at Mill Farm on the Fylde coast is another award-winning project from the FWP team.

FWP is also working with Bath City on a £30m redevelopment at Twerton Park, and Scunthorpe United designing a striking 12,000 capacity all-seater stadium for the Football League club.

It has created stunning new facilities for Fleetwood Town, Peterborough United and Oldham Athletic and is developing stadia and community assets for clubs such as Leamington, Forest Green Rovers and 1874 Northwich.

FC United of Manchester is another club that has benefited from FWP’s expertise in its work to create its first home.

With offices in Preston, Manchester and London, FWP today has a 65-strong staff helping it deliver success for its sporting clients, which, aside from football, include the owners of Doncaster racecourse and Leicester Tigers RU club.

Neil said: “In all our sports sector work our aim is to deliver real destination venues for sport, leisure and entertainment for the whole of the local community, with real benefits for clubs and their supporters.

“Our expertise is in developing modern facilities that will be used by members of the community seven days a week, for 364 days of the year.

“We want to help clubs grow on and off the pitch. And to that end we work very hard with the clubs to create vibrant and modern developments that will be a real asset to the community and their local economies and to create the conversations that can make that happen.”