Training ground update

This was my thinking. Why clad in brown? It mentions in the blurb about blending with the local environment, but tbh it’s near a load of schools and houses. It’s not like it’s in the middle of an area of natural beauty. 😄
If you look at Poolfoot for example, the designers have used red and black from the Fleetwood colours. Not over the top either. Done quite tastefully. Also, not a hint of any connection to the ‘Seasiders’. An arty wave or two wouldn’t go amis. 😀
It’s an artist‘s impression for God’s sake. Be thankful Simon Sadler is prepared to create a state of the art training ground for the club. It will be the first such TG in the club’s long history...
 
Half size pitch - does it stop at the half way line? 🤣

Also, nice to see SS input with the tangerine car in the foreground.
These are the sort of things that shouldn’t really need raising (more indoor options) but possibly worth just checking that it’s been considered.

Unless the MO is to harden the players in sub arctic conditions ready for midweek games plus any match away at Oldham or Stoke
 
I am interested to see the full planning application. I wonder if the indoor facility is an airdome (more common) or a fixed structure. I would imagine the former. Very few clubs have indoor facilities and it’s a key aspect for how you get a Cat 2 or Cat 1 rating for the academy. I don’t think it has to be a full size pitch though. At the end of the day if you’re playing 11 aside you play on a pitch like you would do a league game. The indoor facility is for practising drills in a controlled environment so you only really need the one half really.
 
It’s an artist‘s impression for God’s sake. Be thankful Simon Sadler is prepared to create a state of the art training ground for the club. It will be the first such TG in the club’s long history...
That’s why they are doing a consultation. To consult. To suggest we aren’t thankful is wrong.
 
If I were SS I would be thinking what’s the point, bunch of ungrateful sods.
The point is he's bringing value to the club- his club.

It's early doors and this time next week let's not celebrate promotion after a 96th min pen v Reading to give us a 1-0 win.

I've asked before, so I'll ask again in hope not expectation. The PP will be granted on who's land? Has it been bought by SS, purchase pending perhaps? How much was it? I can hear the cries of it's SS money so why do you want to know? Well the answer would be that the money will be owed by BFC.
 
The point is he's bringing value to the club- his club.

It's early doors and this time next week let's not celebrate promotion after a 96th min pen v Reading to give us a 1-0 win.

I've asked before, so I'll ask again in hope not expectation. The PP will be granted on who's land? Has it been bought by SS, purchase pending perhaps? How much was it? I can hear the cries of it's SS money so why do you want to know? Well the answer would be that the money will be owed by BFC.
Raise it at the structured dialogue next time or send to someone who will.

It's a valid question.

I'd like to know how it works for the clubs finances.

Although the official announcement says "Blackpool Football Club is pleased to announce that it has exchanged contracts to secure nearly 100 acres of land for a new training facility."

Just standard wording I guess.

But Sadler has said he may loan the club the money and look to get some or all of it back didn't he...?

Be interesting to see what the answer came back as how much the club would be in debt, or are these things to be written off? Don't really know how it works.
 
Missing a trick if the club aren’t going to be bringing in added revenue from general use or hire of a TG restaurant / bar area.
Fleetwood absolutely nailed it with Poolfoot and there’s plenty of room for extra parking & a slightly longer main building.
 
New facility - brilliant.
8 full size pitches outside?
This is Blackpool. It's on the coast. It rains sideways. It blows an absolute gale.
One half size pitch inside. I would say Full size indoor pitch is Essential.
I think you’re totally correct with this. Considering it’s not too far from Windy Harbour, kinda says it all 😉
 
This will NOT be open to the public/community whatsoever. This was advised at the time and with its location, everyone agreed it was not a good location for the community. The East stand development and Revoe regeneration WILL be a community hub for the club/Blackpool and will be completed before the training ground and in a great location.
 

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As said, the whole idea of a community facility has gone. This is a straight replacement for squires gate in a bigger place with better facilities.
Anything community-based will be done from the new sports village to the east of Bloomfield Road, based around facilities in and around the new east stand.
 
As said, the whole idea of a community facility has gone. This is a straight replacement for squires gate in a bigger place with better facilities.
Anything community-based will be done from the new sports village to the east of Bloomfield Road, based around facilities in and around the new east stand.
I guess it makes sense, you don’t want all and sundry able to watch your training and players coming and going being hassled by fans for autographs/selfies etc.

I’ve never been to Poolfoot and seen Fleetwood players there, I wonder how they deal with it.
 
I guess it makes sense, you don’t want all and sundry able to watch your training and players coming and going being hassled by fans for autographs/selfies etc.

I’ve never been to Poolfoot and seen Fleetwood players there, I wonder how they deal with it.
With all due respect, Fleetwood don't generate the same interest as us, their average away attendance is 200, so there's not a whole lot going to rock up to watch training.

Fleetwood had to make Poolfoot profitable to survive in the football league.
 
This will NOT be open to the public/community whatsoever. This was advised at the time and with its location, everyone agreed it was not a good location for the community. The East stand development and Revoe regeneration WILL be a community hub for the club/Blackpool and will be completed before the training ground and in a great location.
Who’s everyone? Why can’t they do both?
The location of the new TG is very easy to get to for fans based around that side of town or from Poulton etc. I know I’d rather try to get there, than navigate the gridlocked streets of central Blackpool & the Prom.
Why do they need so many pitches if it’s not open to the public? Might as well be half the size.
 
Who’s everyone? Why can’t they do both?
The location of the new TG is very easy to get to for fans based around that side of town or from Poulton etc. I know I’d rather try to get there, than navigate the gridlocked streets of central Blackpool & the Prom.
Why do they need so many pitches if it’s not open to the public? Might as well be half the size.
Professional footballers and the academy need high quality grass pitches, changing facilities and rehab / physio facilities. It’s a professional work environment operational 7 days a week and of quite a sensitive / high security nature should we get back to the Premier League and we have multi million pound players working there.

Sharing that facility with members of the public poses a lot of challenges - such as significant damage to the pitches, facilities etc. Likely planning permission wouldn’t be granted for an entertainment venue (which is what Poolfoot essentially is) on green belt land when it would also bring with it significant traffic (as Poolfoot does) and would require huge tracts of tarmac for car parking etc.

Building the community facility at Bloomfield Road makes more sense. Firstly it means the club can utilise the existing facilities to support the pitches (bars, offices, class rooms etc) and host a hugely impressive community focused sports facility in a central location in one of the most deprived parts of the country. It’s a win for the council and community and a win for the club.

Poolfoot is great for Fleetwood from a money making perspective but it’s not ideal as a training ground for a top level football team. Premier League clubs don’t open up their academy to the public on a daily basis.
 
Went to the Public Consultation yesterday. It was pretty quiet but the people there were friendly & helpful. 👍

Here’s a few updates:

- BFC hope to have the new TG open in 3 years - pre-season 2025/26 period.

- The 2 planning applications will go in at the same time. 1) The main one for Wyre and the 2) Blackpool border / site access & public road.

- Solar panels on south facing roof. They want the Academy building to be carbon neutral. (Floodlights not included.)

- I made a few suggestions to make the build more visually appealing - club colours / link to seaside, etc. The reason given for the brown colour scheme was to blend in with the landscape, particularly the trees which will remain on site. Pointed out this green belt site isn’t classified as an area of natural beauty, so there is a bit more flexibility.

- See picture below. 1st Team will use the two pitches below the academy in the illustration. Goalkeeper training area GK next to them.

- The ‘Show Pitch’ will be academy team matches. They expect the public will have a viewing area around perimeter.

- They don’t really expect the 1st team to use the half-size indoor pitch, although I’m sure that view will change in winter. I suggested a 3/4 sized pitch aligned differently.

- The paths you see next to the 1st team pitches will be for the players’ use. The public right of way is another route and will need to be moved slightly.

- Made some comments about site security and public liability (given the ponds and pylons). Currently there are no plans for security, beyond the perimeter fence. Will be looked at as & when required. Tbh this should be covered in initial planning application.

- No current intention to have cafe / restaurant, or open to public (beyond parents of academy youth teams). Kitchen for the players. I made a few suggestions for future proofing the design in case this changes down the line. Equally, the car parks and roads on site have been kept to a minimum to again reduce the impact on environment. Pointed out scope / area for enlargement of parking area, if needed.

- No intention to have on site road linking to Garstang Rd.

- Consideration given to noise and floodlight position for local residents.

- Section on right of illustration (outlined in blue) will be a re wilding area only.

———————————
I intend to raise a few points online before 05/08/22, via the link below:

Consultation will run until August 5 and people can also view the plans and give feedback at: www.blackpoolfcconsultation.co.uk

Or they can call a dedicated community information line (Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.30pm) on 0800 652 9460, or email feedback and questions to blackpoolfcconsultation@havingyoursay.co.uk

93974720-C7A8-4836-9518-1E0F1428B001.jpeg
 
Went to the Public Consultation yesterday. It was pretty quiet but the people there were friendly & helpful. 👍

Here’s a few updates:

- BFC hope to have the new TG open in 3 years - pre-season 2025/26 period.

- The 2 planning applications will go in at the same time. 1) The main one for Wyre and the 2) Blackpool border / site access & public road.

- Solar panels on south facing roof. They want the Academy building to be carbon neutral. (Floodlights not included.)

- I made a few suggestions to make the build more visually appealing - club colours / link to seaside, etc. The reason given for the brown colour scheme was to blend in with the landscape, particularly the trees which will remain on site. Pointed out this green belt site isn’t classified as an area of natural beauty, so there is a bit more flexibility.

- See picture below. 1st Team will use the two pitches below the academy in the illustration. Goalkeeper training area GK next to them.

- The ‘Show Pitch’ will be academy team matches. They expect the public will have a viewing area around perimeter.

- They don’t really expect the 1st team to use the half-size indoor pitch, although I’m sure that view will change in winter. I suggested a 3/4 sized pitch aligned differently.

- The paths you see next to the 1st team pitches will be for the players’ use. The public right of way is another route and will need to be moved slightly.

- Made some comments about site security and public liability (given the ponds and pylons). Currently there are no plans for security, beyond the perimeter fence. Will be looked at as & when required. Tbh this should be covered in initial planning application.

- No current intention to have cafe / restaurant, or open to public (beyond parents of academy youth teams). Kitchen for the players. I made a few suggestions for future proofing the design in case this changes down the line. Equally, the car parks and roads on site have been kept to a minimum to again reduce the impact on environment. Pointed out scope / area for enlargement of parking area, if needed.

- No intention to have on site road linking to Garstang Rd.

- Consideration given to noise and floodlight position for local residents.

- Section on right of illustration (outlined in blue) will be a re wilding area only.

———————————
I intend to raise a few points online before 05/08/22, via the link below:

Consultation will run until August 5 and people can also view the plans and give feedback at: www.blackpoolfcconsultation.co.uk

Or they can call a dedicated community information line (Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.30pm) on 0800 652 9460, or email feedback and questions to blackpoolfcconsultation@havingyoursay.co.uk

View attachment 12068
Is there a swimming pool ?
 
Went to the Public Consultation yesterday. It was pretty quiet but the people there were friendly & helpful. 👍

Here’s a few updates:

- BFC hope to have the new TG open in 3 years - pre-season 2025/26 period.

- The 2 planning applications will go in at the same time. 1) The main one for Wyre and the 2) Blackpool border / site access & public road.

- Solar panels on south facing roof. They want the Academy building to be carbon neutral. (Floodlights not included.)

- I made a few suggestions to make the build more visually appealing - club colours / link to seaside, etc. The reason given for the brown colour scheme was to blend in with the landscape, particularly the trees which will remain on site. Pointed out this green belt site isn’t classified as an area of natural beauty, so there is a bit more flexibility.

- See picture below. 1st Team will use the two pitches below the academy in the illustration. Goalkeeper training area GK next to them.

- The ‘Show Pitch’ will be academy team matches. They expect the public will have a viewing area around perimeter.

- They don’t really expect the 1st team to use the half-size indoor pitch, although I’m sure that view will change in winter. I suggested a 3/4 sized pitch aligned differently.

- The paths you see next to the 1st team pitches will be for the players’ use. The public right of way is another route and will need to be moved slightly.

- Made some comments about site security and public liability (given the ponds and pylons). Currently there are no plans for security, beyond the perimeter fence. Will be looked at as & when required. Tbh this should be covered in initial planning application.

- No current intention to have cafe / restaurant, or open to public (beyond parents of academy youth teams). Kitchen for the players. I made a few suggestions for future proofing the design in case this changes down the line. Equally, the car parks and roads on site have been kept to a minimum to again reduce the impact on environment. Pointed out scope / area for enlargement of parking area, if needed.

- No intention to have on site road linking to Garstang Rd.

- Consideration given to noise and floodlight position for local residents.

- Section on right of illustration (outlined in blue) will be a re wilding area only.

———————————
I intend to raise a few points online before 05/08/22, via the link below:

Consultation will run until August 5 and people can also view the plans and give feedback at: www.blackpoolfcconsultation.co.uk

Or they can call a dedicated community information line (Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.30pm) on 0800 652 9460, or email feedback and questions to blackpoolfcconsultation@havingyoursay.co.uk

View attachment 12068
Good stuff, what else will you raise?

Are there any concerns about pylons being close, as someone said on here or is that not an issue?
 
Good stuff, what else will you raise?

Are there any concerns about pylons being close, as someone said on here or is that not an issue?
They are away from the pitch alignment on purpose - no overhead issues. The site is low profile, so shouldn’t be a problem. Need to make sure they have anti climb and nearby cctv imo.
 
They are away from the pitch alignment on purpose - no overhead issues. The site is low profile, so shouldn’t be a problem. Need to make sure they have anti climb and nearby cctv imo.
No meant from a health point of view, as someone mentioned on here.

Have had a look and some pitches may be 30-40m or so away, at the edges.

Being close to them apparently carries risks.
 
Half size pitch - does it stop at the half way line? 🤣
Also, nice to see SS input with the tangerine car in the foreground.

Yes, it probably does actually. Stop at the half-way line, I mean
When the team is training inside, our forwards will be attacking our defenders. You only need half a pitch for that.

It will be used for practicing set pieces in bad weather, I expect.
But it will probably be adjustable, so you can play 6-a-side as well.
 
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Was any mention to the electricity pylons that might put off potential players signing for BFC . would academy children's parents feel safe from allowing there children to train there ? Would it just
look a eye sore and be the first UK training ground to have pylons going through it ? Electromagnetic fields from pylons ,the effect of electromagnetic fields on human health has been an area of extensive research because people want to make sure that exposure does not cause cancer or other diseases. Here, we discuss what the research currently says about whether power lines impact cancer risk.

How are electromagnetic fields created by power lines?
Imagine electromagnetic fields as a spectrum with low-frequency radiation on the low end, which is where power lines are, and high-frequency radiation on the high end, which is where types of radiation like x-rays fall. Low-frequency radiation is less harmful than high-frequency radiation, which can damage DNA and cells.

Power lines are one of many sources of electromagnetic fields in our environment. Power lines carry energy created by power plants to your home or business. The constant flow of electricity through these transmission lines creates low-frequency, non-ionizing radiation.

Electromagnetic fields like those from power lines decrease dramatically as you move or live farther away from them. At a distance of 300 feet, and with average electricity demand, magnetic fields from power transmission lines are similar to magnetic fields found in your home, according to a 2002 report by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Institutes of Health.
 
Went to the Public Consultation yesterday. It was pretty quiet but the people there were friendly & helpful. 👍

Here’s a few updates:

- BFC hope to have the new TG open in 3 years - pre-season 2025/26 period.

- The 2 planning applications will go in at the same time. 1) The main one for Wyre and the 2) Blackpool border / site access & public road.

- Solar panels on south facing roof. They want the Academy building to be carbon neutral. (Floodlights not included.)

- I made a few suggestions to make the build more visually appealing - club colours / link to seaside, etc. The reason given for the brown colour scheme was to blend in with the landscape, particularly the trees which will remain on site. Pointed out this green belt site isn’t classified as an area of natural beauty, so there is a bit more flexibility.

- See picture below. 1st Team will use the two pitches below the academy in the illustration. Goalkeeper training area GK next to them.

- The ‘Show Pitch’ will be academy team matches. They expect the public will have a viewing area around perimeter.

- They don’t really expect the 1st team to use the half-size indoor pitch, although I’m sure that view will change in winter. I suggested a 3/4 sized pitch aligned differently.

- The paths you see next to the 1st team pitches will be for the players’ use. The public right of way is another route and will need to be moved slightly.

- Made some comments about site security and public liability (given the ponds and pylons). Currently there are no plans for security, beyond the perimeter fence. Will be looked at as & when required. Tbh this should be covered in initial planning application.

- No current intention to have cafe / restaurant, or open to public (beyond parents of academy youth teams). Kitchen for the players. I made a few suggestions for future proofing the design in case this changes down the line. Equally, the car parks and roads on site have been kept to a minimum to again reduce the impact on environment. Pointed out scope / area for enlargement of parking area, if needed.

- No intention to have on site road linking to Garstang Rd.

- Consideration given to noise and floodlight position for local residents.

- Section on right of illustration (outlined in blue) will be a re wilding area only.

———————————
I intend to raise a few points online before 05/08/22, via the link below:

Consultation will run until August 5 and people can also view the plans and give feedback at: www.blackpoolfcconsultation.co.uk

Or they can call a dedicated community information line (Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.30pm) on 0800 652 9460, or email feedback and questions to blackpoolfcconsultation@havingyoursay.co.uk

View attachment 12068

Thanks, Neil.

So will only parents be allowed to watch academy games?
 
Good stuff, what else will you raise?
Probably more detail around some of the points above.
Some use of BFC colours & materials for the main academy building. Path layout / bit of flair.
On site security.
Possibility of sunken pitches for 1st team, with mound around perimeter, to protect from elements.
No meant from a health point of view, as someone mentioned on here.

Have had a look and some pitches may be 30-40m or so away, at the edges.

Being close to them apparently carries risks.
Not sure. Maybe worth mentioning to that. Looks about 25-30m to side approx, which is not ideal. I know the electromagnetic fields drop off sharply when not directly underneath pylons. The positioning of the pitches seems more focused on noise and light pollution than any issues with the pylons, eg distance from houses around site
Thanks, Neil.

So will only parents be allowed to watch academy games?
They didn’t specify. Just said spectators.
.
 
Was any mention to the electricity pylons that might put off potential players signing for BFC . would academy children's parents feel safe from allowing there children to train there ? Would it just
look a eye sore and be the first UK training ground to have pylons going through it ? Electromagnetic fields from pylons ,the effect of electromagnetic fields on human health has been an area of extensive research because people want to make sure that exposure does not cause cancer or other diseases. Here, we discuss what the research currently says about whether power lines impact cancer risk.

How are electromagnetic fields created by power lines?
Imagine electromagnetic fields as a spectrum with low-frequency radiation on the low end, which is where power lines are, and high-frequency radiation on the high end, which is where types of radiation like x-rays fall. Low-frequency radiation is less harmful than high-frequency radiation, which can damage DNA and cells.

Power lines are one of many sources of electromagnetic fields in our environment. Power lines carry energy created by power plants to your home or business. The constant flow of electricity through these transmission lines creates low-frequency, non-ionizing radiation.

Electromagnetic fields like those from power lines decrease dramatically as you move or live farther away from them. At a distance of 300 feet, and with average electricity demand, magnetic fields from power transmission lines are similar to magnetic fields found in your home, according to a 2002 report by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Institutes of Health.
Must admit until it was mentioned on here, this wasn't anything I've ever given much consideration to.

"International study after study has shown that children living within 50 metres of the power lines (not just the pylons) have an increased risk of developing acute leukaemia."

"In all cases the risk is associated with being close to the fields. This means living no closer than 50 metres and better still 100 metres from high voltage overhead lines."

 
Fuck me is there nothing left in the world, can we not just enjoy the thought of a new training ground without the usual bollox of doom mongers putting a damper on absolutely everything. Pylons are ** everywhere, get over it. I honestly don’t know how some people set foot out of the front door these days.
 
Probably more detail around some of the points above.
Some use of BFC colours & materials for the main academy building. Path layout / bit of flair.
On site security.
Possibility of sunken pitches for 1st team, with mound around perimeter, to protect from elements.

Not sure. Maybe worth mentioning to that. Looks about 25-30m to side approx, which is not ideal. I know the electromagnetic fields drop off sharply when not directly underneath pylons. The positioning of the pitches seems more focused on noise and light pollution than any issues with the pylons, eg distance from houses around site

They didn’t specify. Just said spectators.
.
Maybe a question you can ask, add to the points you have to raise?

If it's not an issue then fine, only what others have said.

Yeah closest points on the bottom pitches may be closest, others seem alright.
 
Fuck me is there nothing left in the world, can we not just enjoy the thought of a new training ground without the usual bollox of doom mongers putting a damper on absolutely everything. Pylons are ** everywhere, get over it. I honestly don’t know how some people set foot out of the front door these days.
You. might get run over, or stabbed, or shot, all if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, you might get covid and die if you’re unlucky, pollution can kill you, it’s a killer world out there
 
Fuck me is there nothing left in the world, can we not just enjoy the thought of a new training ground without the usual bollox of doom mongers putting a damper on absolutely everything. Pylons are ** everywhere, get over it. I honestly don’t know how some people set foot out of the front door these days.
It's not doom mongering it's a legitimate question given the proximity of the lines and what many legitimate studies say. Maybe the club have considered it and its a non issue.
 
Must admit until it was mentioned on here, this wasn't anything I've ever given much consideration to.

"International study after study has shown that children living within 50 metres of the power lines (not just the pylons) have an increased risk of developing acute leukaemia."

"In all cases the risk is associated with being close to the fields. This means living no closer than 50 metres and better still 100 metres from high voltage overhead lines."

It depends on the voltage of the power lines, but when I last checked you’re likely to suffer more exposure by sitting in a room with a TV than standing directly under all but the super high voltage overhead power lines.
 
It's not doom mongering it's a legitimate question given the proximity of the lines and what many legitimate studies say. Maybe the club have considered it and its a non issue.
Sorry JJ but it’s not. Stop looking for a problem that isn’t there.
 
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