The club is delighted to confirm that work will begin next week at The Colony to convert it into the training facility for the Bristol Rovers First team for the start of the 2020/21 season.
Contractors have been appointed to start phase one of the project, with an initial installation of first-team pitches and training area, gym, medical area, changing facilities, staff offices and communal areas being concluded this year.
MJ Abbott, who have worked with our ground staff to create the award-winning pitch at the Mem will also work on the two pitches at the Colony to ensure that they are of comparable industry-leading quality.
“This significant investment into our infrastructure, in these difficult economic times, will undoubtedly form a core part of progression on and off the pitch moving forward. As stated in my previous letter, we want to bring through young, exciting talent and we hope that this new development will help ensure that we can do that.”
First Team Manager Ben Garner said “This is a huge step forwards and something we have been working hard towards achieving since I joined the club. Having the right infrastructure and environment is a key part of our vision for the future.
“I am very grateful to our Club President Wael Al-Qadi for this substantial investment from both a financial and a personal perspective. Given the current economic climate this really highlights his commitment and dedication to building a successful football club. A great deal of effort and hard work has also been put in by Martyn Starnes and Shaun Roberts in being able to start phase one of the development. We very much look forward to starting work at our new training ground.”
Longer-term, planning will be sought to further expand the project to house the club’s academy and wider community initiatives.
Please note that this site will remain private and will not be open for visitors of any kind at this stage.