Celtic have been given planning permission to build a full-size indoor pitch at Barrowfield.
In 2006 the club built a new training centre at Lennoxtown but today’s news suggests that there could be a greater focus on the traditional training ground around half a mile from Celtic Park.
The Toryglen Centre is the only full-sized indoor pitch in Glasgow with round the clock demand for it during the winter months.
Various Celtic managers have called for a full sized indoor training facility with today’s news the closest that the club has come to taking that step.
ReGlasgow reports:
CELTIC Football Club have been granted planning permission for a full-size indoor training pitch structure in Glasgow’s East End.
Glasgow City Council planning officials have approved the facility which will be at the club’s Barrowfield training/youth development grounds on London Road.
It will comprise one large undercover space with a 105 x 68-metre pitch. Permission had also previously been given for a new building housing changing rooms and gym.
A design statement submitted with the indoor pitch application stated: “The aesthetics of the facility will be in keeping with other facilities owned by Celtic FC, with a white tensile structure with a 4.1-metre-high green solid base at low level.
“The curved white upper part of the development helps to soften the visual effect of the proposal.”
The statement continued: “The building sits to the south east of the site, adjacent to an existing full-size grass football pitch and an existing full-size floodlit synthetic football pitch. It is anticipated that the facility will not significantly impact on existing residents, amenity or traffic.
“Rather the proposal will enhance the facilities on offer at the training ground, allowing the football club to maintain their training programme for all academy groups whatever the weather, which in turn will bring improved opportunities for health and well-being.”
Outdoor training through the winter at Lennoxtown can often be something of an endurance test due to the exposed location. In summer time the backdrop of the Campsie’s is certainly impressive but for players drawn from around the world training through December and January can be an eye-opener.
