Wasps targets Coventry for world-class training facility

COVENTRY-based rugby club Wasps has applied for planning permission to construct a world-class training facility in the city.

The club has targeted land adjoining the Alan Higgs Centre, Allard Way, to build the state-of-the-art complex, but is also keeping options open for other potential sites.

The Aviva Premiership side has already confirmed Broadstreet RFC as its interim training base next season, when Wasps’ senior squad and coaching staff relocate to the West Midlands.

Plans for the permanent complex – on land managed by the Alan Higgs Centre – include three pitches, an indoor kicking barn, cardio and weights gymnasium, video analysis suite, hydrotherapy recovery area and physiotherapy rooms.

Wasps’ Group CEO, David Armstrong, said: “We can confirm we have lodged a planning application to build on the site next to the Alan Higgs Centre.

“This is the first stage in a long process and we will continue to pursue options at other sites until we know whether our planning application has been successful.

“However, we are very hopeful of this site becoming our permanent base and are excited by the opportunity the location would afford us, as well as members of the community who would be able to use the indoor barn at specific times when not in use by Wasps.”

Paul Breed, chief executive of Coventry Sports Foundation – which runs the Alan Higgs Centre, said: “We are delighted to be the leading potential site for Wasps’ new training base and will work with them in any way we can to help make this happen.

“The Alan Higgs Centre plays a major role in community sports and leisure in South East Coventry, and the creation of a new complex for Wasps would add greatly to the site as well as providing the club with a permanent training base in the city.”