Aston Villa has announced ambitious plans for a significant renovation and upgrade at their Bodymoor Heath training ground. The club has submitted a proposal to the North Warwickshire Borough Council for a two-storey extension to the existing first team and under-23s academy building. This development aims to enhance the dining and nutrition facilities, aligning them with modern sports science standards, and address operational challenges posed by the HS2 development.
Unai Emery said: “There are ongoing works and a current planning application aimed at upgrading the training ground to better meet the needs of Aston Villa Football Club’s elite squads and to address various operational challenges caused by the HS2 development. This, however, supports a separate application for an extension to the main first team and under-23s academy building, originally constructed in 2006.”
Villa’s architects, HB Architects, said: “Football teams are in a constant search at club and international level for ‘marginal gain’. Sports science and performance is constantly improving and diversifying. The construction of a new elite performance centre in 2019 epitomises the improvements available in performance levels in the correct environment.”
The proposed extension will significantly improve the dining and nutrition areas on the first floor, providing bespoke facilities for both senior and junior teams. The central production kitchen, originally part of the 2006 project, will also be expanded to support the club’s European football operations and the new rehab centre set to open later this year. The ground floor will see enhancements to the lobby and reception areas, offering additional space for support staff.
Aston Villa has been based at Bodymoor Heath for the past 50 years, having moved from land adjacent to Villa Park in the early 1970s. The club’s recent success, including qualification for the Europa Conference League in 2023 and the Champions League in 2024, underscores the need for these facility upgrades. The improvements are seen as essential for maintaining the club’s competitive edge at the elite level of men’s football.
Public consultation on the application is now open and will continue until June 13. The club invites feedback from fans and stakeholders as it strives to enhance its facilities to support ongoing success in the Premier League and European competitions.
