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.

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The Club Development Conference highlights community football

Significant Sporting Events Program 2023-24

On Saturday, February 1st, over 200 attendees came together at Valentine Sports Park for the 2025 Football NSW Club Development Conference.

With registrations for the 2025 season still coming in, over 85 Football NSW clubs from both Sydney Metropolitan and regional areas gathered for a dynamic day of workshops, panels, and special guest speakers, celebrating community football.

Presented by Stephanie Brantz, the Conference included keynote addresses from Karen Jones, Acting CEO of Destination NSW and Chief Executive of the NSW Office of Sport, Dr. Catriona Rose of the Australian Sports Commission, and Matildas cap #167, Ellie Brush.

After the successful second edition of the conference, Trevor Huxley, Football NSW’s Program Manager for Club Development, expressed his excitement over the strong support from the community.

“The Club Development Conference is a fantastic opportunity to bring together all levels of the game to learn from one another, network and discuss best practice for grassroots football,” said Huxley via press release.

“It has been inspiring to see grassroots clubs across the state in attendance, illustrating a remarkable commitment to supporting their local communities. It’s vital that Football NSW continues to lead in this space, providing support to the volunteers and local administrators who are central to the ongoing growth of our game.”

Along with the keynote speakers, attendees were able to choose sessions tailored to their Club or role, covering topics such as safeguarding, volunteerism, marketing and data analysis, infrastructure and grant funding, player and spectator behaviour, women & girls’ football, diversity and inclusion, and grassroots coach education.

The Football NSW Club Development Conference serves as a pivotal platform for enhancing community football by Empowering Clubs, Facilitating Networking, Offering Targeted Education and Showcasing Leadership.

By focusing on these areas, the conference plays a crucial role in strengthening community football, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring the sport’s sustainable growth.

To gain further details and access Club resources, click here.

Optus Sport teams up with beIN SPORTS for live venue streaming

Optus Sport has announced an exciting partnership with beIN SPORTS, enabling commercial venues across Australia to stream premium live sports content from February 2025.

This collaboration allows pubs, clubs, and other venues to access beIN SPORTS’ top-tier coverage through Optus Sport Business’s streaming platform.

The deal significantly enhances Optus Sport’s content offerings, adding major leagues and tournaments such as LALIGA, Serie A, the Carabao Cup, the English Football League, and ATP & WTA Tennis.

With three dedicated beIN SPORTS channels integrated into the Optus Sport Business platform, fans can enjoy seamless access to world-class sporting action in public venues.

Building on the success of UEFA EURO 2024™ and its ongoing coverage of the Premier League, Optus Sport expects this collaboration to elevate the viewing experience, attract more visitors to venues, and create an unmatched atmosphere for sports fans across Australia.

Scott Davoren, Associate Director of Optus Sport Business spoke on the importance of delivering the Optus Sport experience across many venues.

“We are dedicated to helping commercial venues deliver world-class sports experiences, and partnering with beIN SPORTS is a huge step forward in achieving that goal,” Davoren mentioned in a press release.

“Football has been the essence of Optus Sport since 2016, and now, with beIN SPORTS as a venue partner in Australia, we’re privileged to bring an even wider array of live sport to our Optus Sport Business customers.”

John Armitage, Director, Distribution & Country Manager, Australia & New Zealand beIN SPORTS shared the same excited sentiment about the interesting deal.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Optus Sport to bring our premium sports content to commercial venues across Australia,” Armitage said in a press release.

“We understand that the fragmentation of sports rights in this market can be challenging for venues. Through this partnership, we are providing a streamlined, centralised solution-that makes it easier for venues to offer more live sport to their patrons.

“By prioritising the fan experience, we’re ensuring that football and tennis enthusiasts can enjoy unforgettable moments together in their favourite venues. With Optus Sport, we look forward to enhancing -in-venue experiences and drive increased foot traffic into our venue partners.”

This partnership addresses a common challenge for commercial venues: navigating fragmented sports rights across multiple providers.

By consolidating premium sports content, Optus Sport and beIN SPORTS aim to simplify access and deliver a unified sports experience for patrons which will benefit all Australian sport fans.

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