FWP’s community goal for Trafford FC is a winner

Plans drawn up by FWP to upgrade facilities at ambitious non-league Trafford Football Club’s Shawe View ground have been given the green light.

FWP, the creative force behind some of the UK’s most innovative sports projects, has worked with the club to develop an affordable improvement plan that supports its long-term ambitions on and off the pitch.

The upgrading of Trafford FC’s home in Urmston, Greater Manchester, which has now received planning permission, is the latest in a growing portfolio of community sports projects being delivered by FWP’s expert team across the country.

FWP, which has offices in Preston, Manchester, Birmingham and London, acted as lead architect on the scheme, drafting a design and access statement that was submitted alongside a successful planning application.

Its vision for Shawe View will improve facilities for players and supporters of the Northern Premier League – West side attending games, as well as offering a space which will be available to the community on non-match days.

The heart of the development includes the replacement of an outdated clubhouse and changing facilities building with modern, purpose-built accommodation.

Existing portable buildings will be demolished and replaced with high-quality facilities, including a new clubhouse with bar and kitchen, accessible toilets and storage areas.

Sustainability has been embedded throughout the design, including solar panels and the upgrading of existing floodlighting to energy-efficient LED units, helping to reduce both operational costs and environmental impact.

Funding has been provided by a mix of grants, commercial sponsorship and club funds. The project represents an investment in the region of £700,000.

FWP works with clubs at all levels to make a real difference to their communities and its Trafford FC plans will deliver modern, inclusive facilities that will support the club now and into the future.

Daniel Gayle, FWP architect on the Trafford project, said: “The current buildings at Shawe View are more than 40 years old and badly in need of upgrading.

“We have worked closely with the club throughout, with the goal of ensuring its home remains a real community asset in the future, particularly when it comes to grassroots and youth football.

“The upgrade is all about delivering facilities that will make the matchday experience better, while allowing more flexible use of the stadium, which is a true community asset. And, as in all our sporting projects, we are fully committed to eco-friendly design.”

Founded in 1990, Trafford’s ground has previously been a training facility for Manchester City and Salford’s rugby league team. In the 1980s it was the home of Urmston Town FC, sharing the ground with Trafford Borough Rugby League Club.

Preston and Manchester based consultancy PWA successfully guided the scheme through the planning process.

FWP has built its reputation through innovation in design and by creating sustainable stadiums that generate much-needed income streams, something which is vital for smaller sporting organisations.

Its strategic advice and design expertise, as well as the ability to work to budgets, also proves crucial when clubs have limited resources for their plans.

As a result, the architecture, design and masterplanning practice has built up wide-ranging experience delivering successful projects for smaller clubs in the football pyramid.

Other schemes it is currently involved in include the delivery of a new community stadium in West Cumbria. The Cumberland Sports Village (CSV) project will deliver a modern home for Workington’s football and rugby league clubs.

FWP has worked with a host of ambitious non-league football sides including AFC Fylde, Hastings United and FC United of Manchester on their ground ambitions.

It successfully delivered Mill Farm Sports Village, a £65million development on the Fylde coast that includes sports, commercial and leisure facilities, including a 6,000-capacity stadium for National League North club AFC Fylde.

Work is underway on the procurement of a new FWP community stadium in Leamington Spa and the practice is involved in the creation of a sports, leisure and community centre in Blackbridge, Gloucester. It is also working on a grassroots sports project in Nuneaton.

Higher up the football pyramid, FWP led the regeneration of Championship club Preston North End’s historic Deepdale home.

It drew up the masterplan for the long-term development of League One Peterborough United’s London Road stadium and the upgrading of League Two club Fleetwood Town’s ground.

For more details of FWP, its services and its projects, please visit www.fwpgroup.co.uk