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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Football SA commits to quality with TigerTurf partnership

An industry leader in synthetic pitches and sports surface technology, TigerTurf will now team up with Football SA as a Preferred Supplier of Synthetic Pitches.

Supporting growth on and off the pitch

A key issue facing many clubs and districts across Australia’s football landscape is facility access.

Sharing venues and pitches with other winter sports restricts not just playing time, but pitch quality when access becomes available.

But with TigerTurf’s expertise, built over the course of 40 years in the industry, footballers in South Australia will now see the installation of quality and durable synthetic pitches designed to support their footballing journey.

“Football continues to experience strong and sustained growth across South Australia, and with that growth comes an increasing need for high-quality, sustainable and accessible facilities,” explained Football SA Chief Executive Officer, Michael Carter.

“Our role at Football SA is to support clubs not only on the field, but also in ensuring they have the infrastructure required to grow their communities and deliver football for generations to come.”

Furthermore, TigerTurf Australia General Manager, Travis Knight, also commented on the organisation’s mission to players and people across communities in South Australia.

“At TigerTurf, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy safe, reliable and high-quality spaces to play,” Knight said via press release.

“This partnership allows us to work alongside Football SA to create inclusive facilities that encourage more people to participate, stay active and feel part of the football community.”

 

Responding to participation

Football continues to be Australia’s most participated team sport. According to Football Australia, roughly 1.93 million people enjoy the beautiful game within clubs, schools, social settings and futsal.

In South Australia alone, 2024 saw total participation reach 126,934, emphasising the need for widespread facility access.

Thus, TigerTurf’s role in the industry goes far beyond pitch installation. Through its partnership with South Australia, they are ensuring current players can continue to develop as players, while also building strong foundations for future generations.

All-year-round access, reductions in weather cancellations, and long-term planning opportunities mean that synthetic pitches are a valuable investment.

And, partnered with the industry knowledge of TigerTurf, Football SA can expect this investment to return ten-fold in the form of participation, growth and community spirit.

Manchester City open new training centre for Women’s First Team

The training centre opened earlier this week, following years of planning, investment and ambition for Manchester City Women.

State-of-the-art facilities

Recently crowned WSL Champions, Manchester City Women will now be able to train, prepare and recover in a truly special, purpose-built facility.

Covering 17,000 square feet, a world-class gym, strength & conditioning facilities and dressing room, the site will help players  to maximise performances on the pitch.

But given the facilities also received input from players and staff, inspiring added touches like social spaces and recognition for players with over 100 appearances, it is clear that this is a deeply personal project for all involved at Manchester City Women.

As Managing Director of Manchester City Women, Charlotte O’Neill, highlighted, the training centre is a symbol of excellence and ambition.

“This building is about so much more than bricks and mortar,” O’Neill said via press release.

“It is about creating an environment here our players can thrive, where standards are set at the very highest level and where the current squad has everything it needs to continue to compete for and win silverware.”

A winning project, for a winning team. The training centre is sure to propel Manchester City Women to even greater heights in the seasons to come.

 

Continuing investment trends

Furthermore, as the result of an AUD 18.6 million (GBP 10 million) investment and purpose-built for Manchester City Women, it is yet another example of the current strength of WSL investment.

Just a few weeks ago, Brighton & Hove Albion unveiled plans to construct a new venue for its women’s team, delivering on a clear intention to support commercial growth and infrastructure in the women’s game.

But even after winning their first WSL title this season, the message from the board is clear: Manchester City Women are a fundamental part of the club’s long-term vision.

“This new facility marks the next logical step in our long-term commitment to Manchester City Women, and is an important milestone for the club as a whole,” said Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

“We have always believed in investing to create the right environment for players and staff to develop and succeed. That approach has underpinned every aspect of our work since the professional relaunch of Manchester City Women in 2014.”

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