Villa plan new academy complex

Aston Villa Football Club have unveiled plans to develop a new academy complex next to their stadium.

The club say they want to build the new facility on land off Tame Road in the hope that they can attract the best inner city footballing talent who struggle to get to its training complex in Bodymoor Heath.

The academy will feature an indoor and outdoor 3G pitch, offices and parents’ lounge. It would be available for community use.

The facility will be designed by HB Architects.

A statement accompanying the planning application said: “”y providing the facility in the shadow of the main stadium, and also in an urban location that is easily accessible on foot, cycle and by public transport, there is a greater opportunity for those young people who may not have access or the support to travel the 12km to the Bodymoor Heath training ground facility.”