Newcastle United have identified the site for a new training ground and are targeting progress on the project in 2026, according to a report by The Athletic’s Chris Waugh.
Waugh reported that Newcastle “have identified the site for their new state-of-the-art training ground” and are aiming to make “substantive progress” on the major infrastructure project next year.
The report said the club have decided on land in Woolsington, near Newcastle International Airport, around five miles north-west of the city
centre.
Waugh reported that Newcastle’s current Benton training base “is currently being expanded, having already been upgraded post-takeover,” but the club are seeking a facility that reaches a higher standard.
“Probably a seven out of 10,” David Hopkinson said. “Even with the renovation, we probably only get to an eight. We can’t get to a 10 on the current footprint, which is why we’re planning a very big investment to go and build a 10.”
The Athletic reported that contracts still need to be finalised and planning permission granted, meaning the exact construction timeline remains unclear.
However, Waugh wrote that there is a desire to begin building “as soon as possible,” with 2026 viewed as the ideal starting point.
The report said Newcastle narrowed their search to two locations. A site in Seaton Burn, North Tyneside, remained under serious consideration before Woolsington was selected.
Waugh noted that the Woolsington land was previously owned by former chairman Sir John Hall, who had proposed it for a club training ground in the past.
The Athletic reported that Newcastle want to bring the men’s, women’s and academy teams onto one site. Those teams are currently split between facilities in Benton and Heaton.
Proposed features under consideration include temporary player accommodation, recovery facilities, child-care options, indoor and outdoor pitches, and a possible mini stadium.
“There’s a Premier League arms race to build the best training ground,” Hopkinson said. “Those are the investments we’re going to have to make to get to a world-class level.”
“A new training ground is absolutely part of the plan,” Ross Wilson said. “We’ve got to keep raising our bar because everyone else is moving forward.”
