NEWCASTLE CONFIDENTIAL: World-renowned firm behind Real Madrid's super base to design new state-of-the-art training ground, Toon scouts track 'next Luka Modric' and why they face competition for targets from Man United

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NEWCASTLE CONFIDENTIAL: World-renowned firm behind Real Madrid's super base to design new state-of-the-art training ground, Toon scouts track 'next Luka Modric' and why they face competition for targets from Man United
Published: Jan, 23 2025 17:00

World-renowned architects Populous are set to design Newcastle United’s new training ground, Confidential can reveal. The US-based company, with offices in the UK and Australia, were the architects behind the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and have drawn the plans for Roma’s new 65,000-capacity home. They were also the brains behind the impressive Real Madrid Sports City, the training base that houses the senior and youth teams of the Spanish giants.

 [Populous also designed Real Madrid's Valdebebas training base which houses both the senior and youth sides]
Image Credit: Mail Online [Populous also designed Real Madrid's Valdebebas training base which houses both the senior and youth sides]

That is the level of ambition Newcastle’s Saudi-led owners will insist on, with the Madrid facility including a small stadium, all-weather pitches, swimming pools and a media suite. Interestingly, Populous drew plans for a new training centre for Queens Park Rangers that they showcase on their website - it was never built - and it gives an insight into their work and how parts of the Newcastle design could look.

 [Newcastle are likely to use a different firm to design their stadium project, whether that ends up as a renovation of St James' Park or a new build on Leazes Park]
Image Credit: Mail Online [Newcastle are likely to use a different firm to design their stadium project, whether that ends up as a renovation of St James' Park or a new build on Leazes Park]

The collaboration with Newcastle is a major coup for both the club and Populous, with several firms competing for the contract to design a state-of-the-art complex that is intended to be the envy of the Premier League. Tyneside-based architects FaulknerBrowns could also assist in the project.

 [Newcastle want to have a complex that will attract and develop the world's best players]
Image Credit: Mail Online [Newcastle want to have a complex that will attract and develop the world's best players]

We understand that two sites made the shortlist - land near Newcastle Racecourse, owned by the Reuben family, and in Woolsington, close to Newcastle Airport. The racecourse is the most likely. Newcastle have hired Populous to build their state-of-the-art training facility (plans for QPR's training ground which are still showcased on their website pictured).

 [Newcastle scouts were in attendance to watch Jonathan David's Lille take on Nice last week]
Image Credit: Mail Online [Newcastle scouts were in attendance to watch Jonathan David's Lille take on Nice last week]

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