Motherwell have been granted planning permission for a new permanent structure that will transform their training facilities.
The club have succeeded with a proposal submitted to North Lanarkshire Council for a new synthetic surface, floodlights and a two-storey building at Dalziel Park, near Carfin in Motherwell.
The facilities include changing and dining facilities, gym, offices and medical room, freeing up space at Fir Park for commercial opportunities.
The project will also allow first-team players to meet at the training ground rather than changing at the stadium then driving back and forth in their kit.
Chief executive Brian Caldwell described the construction project and long-term lease agreement as a “hugely exciting project” the club and community.
“We have put a great deal of work into identifying the best long-term site for the club’s training facility,” he said.
“We engaged with a number of landowners, including North Lanarkshire Council, and considered a range of options to determine what was best not only for the club today but most importantly, for its long-term future.
“We believe Dalziel Park offers the best option; it is an ideal location and with the considerable investment already made by the club in recent years upgrading the three grass pitches to a Premiership standard, it makes financial sense to continue investing in this site.”
Longer-term plans include greater use of the facility by women, academy and community teams.
The plans were announced after Motherwell secured a Conference League third qualifying round tie against HJK Helsinki thanks to a 5-0 aggregate win over HB Torshavn.
Manager Alfred Johansson has further strengthened his squad ahead of the William Hill Premiership opener at Hibernian on Sunday with the loan signing of 21-year-old Bristol City defender Jamie Knight-Lebel.
The Canada international has played more than 75 first-team games with City plus previous loan clubs Swindon and Crewe.
Johansson told Motherwell’s website: “He is a talented young player who has two very strong seasons out on loan playing regularly. A physical and strong defender, he will provide competition in the defensive positions and bring international experience.”
Meanwhile, Motherwell confirmed they had submitted an appeal against the £5,000 fine issued following Scottish Football Association disciplinary action over a social media post in the wake of their defeat by Celtic in May.
