Blackpool’s plans for building a new training facility have been postponed to prioritize the redevelopment of the East Stand at Bloomfield Road. Simon Sadler confirmed this decision a few days ago at a club fans' forum, where the panel also included CEO Julian Winter, sporting director David Downes, and team manager Neil Critchley.

Priority: the stand

The Seasiders' plan for the new base included 10 outdoor pitches, an indoor pitch, and a two-story building that would be used not only by the Blackpool FC first-team players but also by academy players.

An architect has already been selected for the new East Stand project at Bloomfield Road, and the first visualizations were presented to the fans attending the meeting. We, on the other hand, want to present an offer that is perfect for getting started with an online casino and to profit from the bonus. The club intends to submit a planning application to the authorities by September, and is currently considering building a stand with a maximum of 4,600 seats, with the possibility of future expansion. The investment is expected to be completed before the start of the 2026/2027 season.

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Preparing the site

The Blackpool FC authorities are preparing to begin the demolition of buildings on Henry Street acquired as part of the redevelopment. At this stage, these will mainly be rear extensions and garages to prevent vandalism and antisocial behavior occurring in the area.

A report by the city council extensively describes the vandalism problem around Bloomfield Road. If actions are not taken now, antisocial behavior and waste dumping on these properties will continue, and cleaning them up will cost more, the report reads.

The report also indicates that these buildings are very dilapidated, and their lifespan is nearing its end. Currently, buildings on seven properties are slated for demolition, mainly commercial premises, extensions, a storage container, and garages. Once demolition is completed, the area will be fenced and secured.

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Community investment

The club also wants to create a public utility facility next to Bloomfield Road stadium. Plans for the Revoe Sports Village, allocated £6.5 million as part of Blackpool’s £40 million Town Deal, include two artificial turf pitches; one full-size and one smaller. Both will be lit, with a ground-level pavilion for changing and a storage building. The aforementioned amount comes from the Town Deal Fund and must be spent by March 2026.

Initially, work on the project was expected to start last autumn. The pitches will be an important facility for use by the local community, as well as for the Blackpool FC women's teams, reads the planning statement by Avison Young.

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