CFC's training complex?

Hi, just curious whether Chelsea has now an own trainings ground. Heard some time back that they wanted to build a new one as they still had to train on an university ground or something like that.

So, any infos or even better some pictures?

 

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="305"> <tbody><tr><td> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="305"><tbody><tr><td valign="top">
Chelsea get green light for training facilities
By Gary Jacob
</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td height="5"></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="305"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top">THE move to a new training ground cannot happen soon enough for the Chelsea players. For all the glamour and extravagance that has come with the arrival of Roman Abramovich as owner and the copious amount of multimillion pound players that have followed, the training facilities at Harlington have remained embarrassingly bleak; an antiquated training building with poor changing-rooms and a restaurant that resembles a school canteen, all set beside the flight path into Heathrow. Though not for much longer. Chelsea have been granted permission to build a new centre in Cobham, Surrey, which should rival the luxurious facilities that Arsenal and Manchester United already boast. At a cost of around £20 million and completed in July 2006, the development will include 15 football pitches, three of which will have under-soil heating, an indoor artificial pitch and the latest medical facilities. The club hope it will help to attract some of the best young players from around Europe.

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</td></tr></tbody></table>“One of the reasons I joined the club was the commitment that Mr Abramovich and the board showed about investing in youth,” Jose Mourinho, the manager, said.

The site, part of 50 acres bought from Imperial College — from whom they rent their present site — will be home to the first-team and academy players. The height of the building has been limited for environmental reasons, meaning that the structure will be sunk into the ground and a moat added to allow light into the basement area. For similar reasons, the curved roof will have a grass surface.

“This will act as an inspiration for the young players,” Mourinho said. “A modern and top training ground is also important for first team players. Our current home at Harlington is an excellent facility but the club needs its own home for training and top players want to know about the facilities and their environment for work before they join a club. If we can tell them we have the best training ground, this is a big advantage. I am looking forward to moving there.”

Planning permission for Cobham was granted by Elmbridge Borough Council last week, ending the club’s search for a new training ground. The club had hoped to an academy on Hazelwood golf course, a 60-acre site, in Sunbury, but objections led to the club dropping the plans.

Peter Kenyon, the chief executive, said the development was central to the future of the club. “Developing home-grown players is a vitally important goal for Chelsea,” Kenyon said. “We are also totally committed to developing a community programme in the local area and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership with Elmbridge Borough Council and its residents who have been extremely supportive and positive.”

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plus

http://www.kclsu.org/upload/03_00888_Page%2030.pdf

 

Wow, that building looks awesome! Any idea when the whole complex will be ready?