Tranmere Rovers to submit plans for new training ground at Woodchurch Leisure Centre

Aug 10 2011 by Liam Murphy, Heswall News

TRANMERE Rovers have submitted plans to build almost 100 homes on their former training facility – hoping to boost club funds by £5m.

The League One side hope to sell off their Ingleborough Road training site, close to the Prenton Park ground, after gaining the planning permission, which will increase the land value substantially.

If the planning application – submitted this week – is approved, Tranmere would use the money to help redevelop Woodchurch Leisure Centre, which is currently owned and operated by Wirral Council.

A £5m scheme to redevelop the leisure centre for professional footballers and the local community will be submitted at a later date, Wirral Council said last week.

The football club said it wants to install numerous football pitches at the site on Carr Bridge Road, in Woodchurch, as well as changing rooms, physio and medical rooms, a cafe, offices for the manager and administration staff and a 40 station health and fitness suite for club and community use.

A report accompanying Tranmere’s planning application said the development of Woodchurch Leisure Centre “will be accessible and priced to ensure local community access, this is being driven by local ward councillors and the local community”.

It added: “The scheme will not happen if this is not guaranteed.”

The supporting documents for the application said the development will be funded by receipt from the sale of Ingleborough Road, with other sources including Oxton Hockey Club, England Hockey, Football Association to support grass pitch development, Sport EnglandProtecting Playing Fields fund.

It said: “In terms of site management it is anticipated that the club will be granted a 99-year lease from the council.”

According to a valuation report also submitted, the existing Ingleborough Road training site would be worth £150,000 as a sports facility, but if planning permission is granted for 90 homes this would soar to £5m.

Prenton councillor Ann Bridson said the local community appeared to back the club’s plans for the Ingleborough Road site, and added: “It’s an interesting situation”.

A spokesman for Tranmere declined to comment.