QPR start work on new training ground

Queens Park Rangers (QPR) have confirmed the London Borough of Hounslow has approved planning permission for the club’s new training ground in Heston. 

The club acquired the 27-acre site in December 2020 and, following endorsement from the Mayor of London and the Secretary of State, work will commence from 1st October.

Pitch works, which will include undersoil heating, are expected to take nine months to complete. Work on the new training ground building will start before the end of the calendar year.

QPR CEO Lee Hoos, said: “This is fantastic news for the club’s medium and long-term future so I am absolutely delighted, as are the owners.

“Investment in infrastructure, such as a bespoke training ground, is the greatest indication of an ownership which is here for the long term and genuinely believes in the growth of their football club.

“The owners will be personally covering a significant portion of the cost and we will also be issuing a Bond to assist with the financing. 

“This approach has been successfully carried out by Burnley and Norwich City previously.”

The vision for the state-of-the-art facility, which will accommodate the club’s first team, under 23s and academy squads, is being delivered by an expert project team including planning advisors hgh Consulting, architects Studio Zoppini Architetti and global design engineering consultants Buro Happold.

This is Buro Happold’s latest project showcasing its growing work and expertise in the sports sector, recent examples of which include the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the redevelopment of Lords’ Compton and Edrich stands and the upcoming new Everton stadium at Bramley Moore Dock.

Steve Macey, Director at Buro Happold, said: “Having been involved over a number of years to consolidate the club’s first team with the academy onto a single site, I am delighted that the latest proposal at Heston has been granted planning permission.

“Any new training facility has to embrace the health and development of the players along with staff welfare – and the proposals we have developed do just that.  We are all excited to see the project move to the construction phase and inspire the next generation of players to achieve QPR’s vision.”