Training Ground Development Update
We are writing to supporters to provide an update on the planned development of a new training facility for our players.
In August 2022, the club announced that an agreement had been reached to acquire the site of the Parkway Sports Club in Ernesettle, subject to planning permission being granted.
In the period since that announcement, the owners of Parkway Sports Club have informed the club that the terms of sale have changed and that the club would need to purchase the land at risk – in other words, before planning permission has been granted. This was not suitable to the club.
As a result of this development, and with a dedicated training site integral to the club’s long-term strategy, we continued to assess our options, and we are delighted to confirm that we have agreed in principle to purchase the site of Goals Plymouth, which sits adjacent to Home Park on Outland Road.
The benefits to the club, and by extension the community, are substantial, and represents a superior solution for the club than the prospective site in Ernesettle. This development provides the club with the opportunity to effectively expand the footprint of our base of operations at Home Park, the Harper’s Park training pitches, and Goals Plymouth into one much larger site.
In addition, existing facilities at Goals Plymouth can be efficiently adapted and further developed for club use, including the enhancement of already existing infrastructure.
As part of the acquisition, the club intends to continue running the five-a-side all-weather pitches for public use, bringing the operation under the club’s banner and branding, with more information to follow in due course.
Argyle Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Parkinson, said: “While it has been a challenge getting to this stage, the benefits for the club from this change of course are substantial, and we are very excited by the prospect of delivering our vision for the club much closer to the familiar surroundings of Home Park.
“This represents an outstanding opportunity for us, and I’m sure that supporters will share in our anticipation. As I said when we initially announced the plans for a new first-team site,
infrastructure enhancements are essential if Argyle are to prosper in the coming years, and this is another big step in the right direction.
“I would like to thank Goals Plymouth for their professionalism and communication throughout the process.”
Argyle Director of Football, Neil Dewsnip, said: “Acquiring the site of Goals Plymouth is extremely exciting for the club, and presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for us to build even greater foundations for footballing success.
As I have talked about before, having the best training facilities for our players is vital if we want to become the best Argyle we can be. As we all know, the ambition for this club is to operate at a higher level.
“I very much look forward to playing my role in the development of the facility.”