How FWP Group is changing architectural design for the football industry

Mill Farm

The leading architectural, design and master planning practice, FWP Ltd, is a company that works on projects around the UK with the main office based in Preston, Lancashire with additional offices in Manchester and London.

The organisation’s direction is outlined by the examination of new objectives, development and knowledge, as well as the commitment to sustainability.

FWP Ltd offers services in Architecture, M&E Design, Structural Engineering, Interior Design, Building Surveying, Project Management, Quantity Surveying and CDM Consultancy.

In 2014, Blezard joined the FWP Group with their place of business operating out of Preston, it was established in 1960 and provides Building Engineering Services.

Blezard offers a variety of services to meet the needs of the clients such as Consulting Engineering, Services Management, Integrated Building and Energy Services.

By having vast amounts of wealth in experience covering refurbishment projects to the large scale new build developments across all sectors. Blezard is a team who brings knowledge and expertise in experience to the table to be able to align the current legislation and deliver the good practice necessary while demonstrating a firm grasp of the latest technologies, energy efficiency, environmental sustainability and cost management.

They embrace a driven philosophy of the construction process and stand by their belief in early consultation and involvement with the design team who helps achieve the successful delivery of all their projects.

TRP consulting are experts in supporting civil, structural and environmental engineering consultancy services, with a wide variety of knowledge bases and advancing towards a proactive project delivery.

The FWP Group provides an extensive range of skills that include:

  • Feasibility studies
  • Site surveys
  • Sketch, detailed and advanced design
  • Planning and building reg applications
  • Tender application
  • Detailed production information
  • CDM Co-ordination and Health and Safety
  • Interior design and 3D Visualisation

The organisation is a solutions-driven company that has frequently carried through successful outcomes eventuating in lasting and reliable connections with customers, consultants and contractors.

After eight years of work, a project that FWP has been involved in was to deliver a multi-million pound for the home stadium of AFC Fylde, Mill Farm. The impressive North Stand has a capacity of 1,850 and also includes a state-of-the-art fan zone with quality game day food and beverage facilities.

Working with the English club competing in the National League North alongside David Haythornthwaite, the plan was to shape the idea for the mixed-use development and created a special home for the squad and its faithful fans.

Hugely beneficial for the local community and its economy, FWP has worked hand in hand with the club throughout the process to generate a vibrant and exciting development for locals to enjoy.

The evolution of Mill Farm Sports Village was made feasible by the connected enabling projects, which include multiple established and vastly successful, commercial and industrial growth on the site that has already brought more than 200 permanent and 400 provisional jobs to the area.

The home ground of AFC Fylde incorporates a 290-capacity sports bar, 70 seater Italian restaurant that has an al fresco roof terrace, a café with a large conference room as well as facilities for an event and also a five-star hotel.

The architectural and design innovated company has collaborated with a host of football clubs, including non-league sides such as AFC Fylde, Hastings United and FC United of Manchester, the rejuvenation of Championship side Preston North End’s ground consists of income generated and community facilities such as a gym, headquarters of local charities, NHS centre along with educational and conferencing facilities.

One of the notable achievements of the FWP Group has been to successfully deliver $1.73 million refurbishment for Everton’s corporate hospitality facilities at Goodison Park, a significant part of the Merseyside club’s revenue stream. FWP has also carried out work for Manchester United.

The strategic advice and the wealth of knowledge in design as well as the capability to work to budgets have put FWP Group ahead in the industry by demonstrating it is crucial when sports clubs have a short supply of resources for their plans.

The understanding that a football stadium can lay out a variety of income-generated necessities and community uses proceeding with to play a major fragment in assisting clubs to successfully revitalise their grounds.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Inaugural 2026 UEFA Walking Football EURO Cup begins

On 25 June, senior players from across Europe will take part in the first UEFA Walking Football EURO Cup at UEFA HQ in Lyon, Switzerland.

 

It’s everyone’s game

When thinking about football, fans tend to imagine the fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping action of the professional game. That is where excitement and drama is, usually, at its highest.

But growing within the wider football landscape is a version of the game which, rather than focusing on speed, instead champions enjoyment, health and participation for senior participants.

Walking football is proof that football truly belongs to everyone. UEFA’s commitment to staging the inaugral tournament on 25 June reflects the organisation’s understanding that a love for the beautiful game stays despite age, injury, or mobility issues.

Alongside the 2026 UEFA Walking Football Euro Cup is the release of the UEFA Walking Football Toolkit. This aims to provide more information about the game, benefitting associations, leagues and clubs and encompasses contributions from national associations of England, the Faroe Islands, France, Gibraltar, Portugal, Poland and Sweden.

 

A brief history of walking football – and its importance

From its beginnings in the UK in 2011, walking football has since expanded across Europe and the world to give senior players a chance to be socially and physically active – all within a safe, minimal-impact environment.

And the game – despite its more steady nature – is gathering real pace here in Australia.

In October 2021, Football Australia introduced the first ever Seniors Football Week. Also, just last month, Brisbane Roar hosted the 2026 IWFF Walking Football World Championships at Perry Park – the first time the tournament has taken place in the entire Southern Hemisphere.

The implication, therefore, is that walking football will continue to grow and welcome more members of the community with a desire to dust off their old boots and join a team.

From youth teams to walking football, everyone in the pyramid shares the same love for the game. And there is no reason why, when speaking about the cohesive football development, that walking football shouldn’t be included in future planning and strategic visions.

Football Victoria elevates fan enjoyment with Streets partnership

Football Victoria (FV) revealed last week a new partnership with ice cream giants, Streets. The brand will become an exclusive ice cream partner for the next three years.

 

An iconic brand for joyful experiences

As a well-known and popular ice cream brand with people all around the nation, Streets will now look to support the fan experience in Victoria through its products.

It reflects FV’s commitment to delivering a family-friendly and memorable experience for spectators. Both on and off the pitch, the organisation is striving to elevate the experience for fans and families alike.

“Football Victoria is always looking for ways to elevate the experience at The Home of The Matildas, and this partnership does exactly that,” explained FV Executive Manager of Commercial and Facilities, Chris Speldewinde.

“It’s a fantastic fit for our community and we’re looking forward to what the next three years will bring.”

Furthermore, Senior Brand Manager at Streets, Ryan Katz, emphasised the brand’s role in community sport and in creating memories beyond the action on the pitch.

“Streets is proud to join Football Victoria as its exclusive ice cream partner,” Katz said.

“There’s nothing better than enjoying a great game with a classic ice cream in-hand, and we’re excited to be part of those moments across the state.”

 

Understanding community football

Community football is all about these moments. Sunny days, the family together, and a sweet treat in-hand while supporting a local team alongside friends and neighbours.

This is why a partnership between FV and Streets is particularly important.

Not for its commercial value, but for what it tells us about both parties’ understanding of what matters to fans. From young fans to experienced matchday-goers, everyone wants to find enjoyment while watching the game.

And while the 90 minutes of action is the focus, the experience of a local matchday is truly defined by interactions with fellow supporters and smaller – but no less significant – moments of happiness during the day.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend