Newcastle United chiefs react as plans for a new world-class training complex are announced.
Newcastle United have announced plans to build a new £190million training centre after agreeing to purchase the Woolsington Hall estate.
The 260 acres of land, which was most recently owned by former Magpies’ owner Sir John Hall, is situated south of Newcastle Airport and is set to house the men’s first team and academy teams, as well as integrate bespoke women’s and girls’ facilities.
A formal planning application is expected to be submitted in early 2027 with a view to the men’s first team moving in for the 2029-30 season.
The project marks the first major infrastructure investment by the club’s owners, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, and RB Sports & Media. Plans on whether to extend St James’ Park or build a new stadium are still being discussed.
‘Landmark moment’ - Newcastle United chiefs react
Brad Miller, Newcastle United’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “This is a homecoming for Newcastle United given Sir John Hall’s initial vision for the site in the 1990s.
“Woolsington Hall will be a magnificent location for our new training complex, so we are delighted to have finalised our agreement to acquire the land.
“We are finalising hugely exciting plans for the estate, which include renovating and enhancing listed structures and parkland and retaining them as key elements in our designs.
“Our aim is to carefully and thoughtfully develop world-class facilities for our players and staff, while bringing out the beauty of the location and preserving it for generations to come.
"It is a highly complex project. We have a rigorous planning process ahead of us, but we will demonstrate how we intend to build something iconic that the club, fans, community and region can be proud of.
This is an artist's impression of a proposed first-team building at Newcastle United's new training ground and not a final design.placeholder image
This is an artist's impression of a proposed first-team building at Newcastle United's new training ground and not a final design. | Newcastle United
“We look forward to engaging with planners, our supporters and interested parties about our exciting plans. Our aim is to sustainably and responsibly move the project forward, delivering a facility that the city and region can be immensely proud of.”
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David Hopkinson, Newcastle United’s CEO, said: “This is a landmark moment for Newcastle United.
“Subject to planning permission, our proposed performance complex will create the world’s best performance environment for our teams. We’ll develop purpose-built facilities that are geared towards developing sustainable success in the future, where players, coaches and staff can perform at their very best every day.
“We will be submitting a detailed planning application that not only demonstrates our vision, but also how we will preserve and enhance an historic estate, its biodiversity and wildlife habitats, and how we’ll be a great neighbour.
“I want to thank everyone who has played a role in getting us to this point today, and extend my gratitude to Sir John and the Hall family.”
Newcastle United reveal next steps
Subject to planning permission, the site will be carefully restored alongside the introduction of new training complex in a scheme totalling £190m.
A club statement adds: “The club is progressing the necessary steps to formally complete the purchase of the site. Separately, the club is about to commence pre-application engagement with the local authority, local residents and community.
“A detailed planning application is then expected to be finalised and submitted to Newcastle City Council in early 2027.
“Future plans for the club’s relevant current sites will also be communicated at the appropriate time.”