Newcastle United plan £1m academy upgrade

Newcastle United are planning a £1m revamp of the club's academy to improve conditions for its youth teams.

The Magpies have lodged plans with Newcastle City Council for an extension to the academy site at Little Benton.

The proposals outline the football club's desire to build an upgraded players' lounge, new physiotherapy offices, improved access to training areas and better toilets.

The council is expected to make a decision in the new year.

The club said the existing facilities, which opened in 2002, were "no longer fit for purpose".

An enhancement of the Greenlee Drive site, close to the club's main training ground at Darsley Park, would help better nurture youngsters dreaming of following the likes of Lewis Miley into the senior squad, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

In its application on behalf of the club, Ryder Architecture said the extension would provide about 3,300sqft (300sqm) of new internal space which would improve the site while also addressing "privacy and capacity concerns in the toilet areas".

A spokesman said: "This development will significantly improve the day to day experience for contracted U21 players, enhance staff working conditions and better serve the academy's broader user base."

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