Cornwall FA submits plans for new HQ and 3G pitch

Cornwall Football Association has submitted plans for a new 3G pitch, community hub and headquarters.

A planning application was lodged with Cornwall Council to build the new facility at Bodmin Town Football Club's Priory Park ground.

The association said there would be a "phased approach" with the development of the pitch first, followed by the building of the community hub, which would also serve as its new headquarters.

Cornwall FA Chairman John Fabby said he was "delighted" to reach the important milestone and the FA would continue to work closely with the football club to deliver its "ambitions".

Cornwall FA said its long-term vision for the ground was to create a facility that would meet the needs of the local community and grassroots football across the county.

It said the existing stand and changing room building was "in a poor state of repair and requires significant work" so would be removed and replaced by temporary changing rooms, toilets and office space until the new community hub was delivered.

The association said it recognised the history and importance of the existing stand to Priory Park and the local football community, so would assess if elements of the existing infrastructure could be incorporated into the proposed new community hub.

It said a funding application had been submitted and was being assessed by the the Football Foundation.

Mayor of Bodmin, Mike Barbery, said the planning submission was an "exciting milestone for a project of real scale and ambition" for the town.

"The investment proposed for Priory Park has the potential to create fantastic new opportunities for grassroots football and community participation, while the ambition for a new community hub and Cornwall FA headquarters represents something really significant for the town."

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