Arsenal are exploring a training ground redevelopment, according to a report, though plans are still at an early stage.
Andrew Allen reports for Arseblog News that Arsenal have been exploring a significant redevelopment of their training facilities at London Colney, and it is believed they’re considering a new purpose-built hub for the men’s team.
Allen suggests the development could bring the player performance centre, medical and rehabilitation facilities, changing rooms, offices, restaurants and media facilities under one roof.
If the works go ahead, the existing facilities could then be used exclusively by the Arsenal Women.
The big issue is reportedly getting planning permission, with the club having plenty of space to build in if they can get it. Arsenal have already submitted a planning application for temporary facilities for the women’s team while their existing facilities are refurbished.
This is all in addition to plan around potentially expanding the Emirates Stadium.
Gary Jacob reported for The Times over the summer that the Gunners have been considering how to upgrade the stadium, though they aren’t keen to disrupt a winning team by giving up home advantage and temporarily relocating to Wembley.
Digging down to add seats would also reportedly be a logistical problem, due to the disruption of the pipework below, so the financial cost might not justify the extra revenue generated by 10,000 new seats.
Jacob claims it’s more likely Arsenal remodel the ground to add around 5,000 seats, geared towards increasing the range of corporate choices.
That doesn’t sound quite as exciting as adding 10,000 new ordinary seats to the stadium’s capacity, and new corporate seats would likely do nothing to aid the average fan sitting on the season-ticket waiting list.
But it’s a safer bet financially, with Arsenal able to charge a lot more for those new corporate seats, justifying whatever construction costs they incur to introduce the additional capacity.
Sam Cunningham recently reported for City A.M. that Arsenal were in talks with architects Populous over expanding the Emirates, having previously worked with the same company to design the ground in the first place.
At the time, Cunningham claimed all options remained on the table, from major works to minor hospitality upgrades.
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