Stoke City is set to embark on a significant £12m project to enhance its first-team training facilities and upgrade the current amenities for its academy and women’s team. The renovation work at Clayton Wood training ground is scheduled to commence in September, following planning approval from Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.
The new development will substantially improve the “scale and quality” of the facilities available to players, according to the Championship club. A spokesperson highlighted that this is the club’s largest financial investment in a single project since constructing the bet365 Stadium in 1997.
“The state-of-the-art building will provide elite facilities for the men’s first team squad. Subsequently, the existing pavilion will be renovated and dedicated exclusively to the club’s category one academy and women’s team,” the club stated. This investment will push the total expenditure on the club’s training base beyond £25m.
Vice-chairman Richard Smith emphasized the project’s significance, stating, “This development is massive for Stoke City, both in terms of scope and importance. Once complete, it will elevate our first-team facilities to among the best in the Championship and make them fit for Premier League football.”
Following the opening of the new facility at Clayton Wood, the existing building will be refurbished to provide an elite home for the women’s team and academy. “The benefit will be felt across our club,” Smith added.
Construction is expected to begin once a building contractor is appointed and is projected to be completed by 2025. Smith also mentioned additional improvements, such as refurbishing Ricardo’s sports bar, installing LED floodlights, and creating a fan zone, all aimed at enhancing the matchday experience.
The club finished 17th in the Championship at the end of the 2023-24 season.