READING’s new training facilities at Bearwood Park are beginning to take shape with phase one of the project close to completion.
The action on the pitch may have ended for now, however Reading have been busy behind the scenes with the construction of their new training facility at Bearwood Park.
The Royals have been situated at their current training facility at Hogwood Park for 15 years having moved there in 2004.
But plans to move to Bearwood Park have increased since Chinese shareholders took control of the club, with the project being guided by Chief Executive Nigel Howe.
Club owner, Yongge Dai, stated that since his arrival it was one of his priorities to invest in the development of the new training ground.
When completed, it will see Reading meet the requirements to gain a Category One Academy Status with the club’s ongoing investment in the Premier League’s Elite Player Performance Plan.
Ground Staff have been attending the site everyday to ensure that maintenance of the pitches which are expected to be ready for use in the very near future.
Phase two of ‘Project Bearwood’ is underway and will involve the flattening of the foundations before building work can begin to construct the first team building.
Bearwood Park will host three full size first team pitches, designed to be a replica of the dimensions of the pitch at Madejski Stadium, a floodlit artificial 3G pitch and a goalkeeping practice area.
It will also be home to a first team building, an academy facility and several other ancillary buildings.
A statement on Reading Football Club’s official website reads: “Foundations are being laid and the infrastructure of the main buildings will start to become very visible in the coming weeks and months. But with Phase One nearing a natural end and ground staff now on site everyday, it means football will soon be being played on green grass down at Bearwood.
“The size and scale of the project should not be underestimated. Our owners have ensured that this new modern, forward-thinking training facility has been designed to be one of the very best in the county and the envy of clubs up and down the divisions.”
