Celtic have announced plans to upgrade their Barrowfield training ground – including the construction of one of Scotland’s largest indoor football arenas.
Bought in 1959, Barrowfield was where Celtic greats from Jock Stein and his Lisbon Lions to Martin O’Neill’s treble-winners of the early 2000s limbered up until the club moved the first-team to a new purpose-built facility at Lennoxtown in 2007.
But the Hoops’ youth teams have continued to use the old Barrowfield base – which is located a short distance from Celtic Park – for training and matches and now Parkhead chiefs hope to bring the dilapidated complex up to scratch.
A planning permission proposal has been lodged with Glasgow City Council that would see two full-sized grass pitches plus another two artificial fields – one indoor and one outdoor – installed alongside a state-of-the-art gym, new changing rooms, a grandstand and refreshment facilities for fans.
Celtic say Barrowfield will continue to serve as the training and match base for their academy and women’s squads but the indoor arena would also allow Neil Lennon’s first-team to continue their preparations during poor weather conditions.
In a statement, the club said: “Celtic Football Club today announced that it has applied for planning permission to launch a hugely exciting major re-development of its training centre in the east end of Glasgow.
“The intended re-development of the Barrowfield site, located near to Celtic Park, would see Celtic unveil another first class training facility, including one of the largest indoor football arenas in Scotland, featuring a FIFA approved top of the range full sized artificial surface.
“The new indoor facility will allow training opportunities, particularly in poor weather for the Celtic first team. The complex will also be used by Celtic’s women’s teams and all academy teams.
“The new development will complement Celtic’s established first team training base at Lennoxtown, which was opened in 2007 and has been a huge success.
“These new developments will further enhance the opportunities for all club teams, offering hugely improved facilities and a brand new, first-class training environment.”
