West Ham United have confirmed that work on the new training ground could start next year after the club submitted planning permission to Havering Council for a new state-of-the-art development.
As confirmed by CEO Scott Duxbury in the recent exclusive KUMB.com interview, the club purchased the land earlier this year with view to moving all first team training facilities from the current site at Chadwell Heath.The Rush Green plans are split into two phases; the first being to renovate the existing Sports Club, install buildings for the groundsman and construct three training pitches, with the second phase to include the erection of a 'purpose built, state-of-the-art training, rehabilitation and media centre to replace the renovated Sports Club and four further training pitches.
Scott Duxbury, talking about the plans on whufc.com this lunchtime said: "This is a major step forward for the club as a new training ground with world-class facilities is fundamental to our vision for the next few years. Such a development can only aid Gianfranco, his staff and players in their bid to help the club achieve success.
"Chadwell Heath has been a fantastic home for many generations but I have been aware in recent years that it is no longer fit for our first-team aspirations. We have worked very hard to put this planning proposal together and I would like to add my thanks to Havering Council for their cooperation to date and in the future."
It is planned that Tony Carr's Youth Academy should remain at its historical Chadwell Heath base, whilst reserve team fixtures - currently played at Bishops Strortford - should eventually take place at Rush Green.
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