Newcastle United look to upgrade Darsley Park training ground again as hunt for new location continues

Newcastle United have been under the stewardship of the PIF for over three years now and sometimes it feels like we're no closer to the state-of-the-art training ground and stadium we were promised.

Obviously, these things take time, but the fact that we're coming up on four years and we still don't have a location for the new training ground and we don't know whether we'll be staying at St James' Park or moving to a new stadium is a cause of frustration for many fans.

That being said, the PIF have pumped plenty of money into the existing sites and haven't simply made do with what they inherited post-takeover.

In truth, they couldn't have persisted with what was there and expected to attract stars of the quality they have.

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Newcastle United are awaiting planning permission to extend the current training facilities

And while work continues to find a location to build the new training facilities, Newcastle and the PIF aren't resting on their laurels as today it was confirmed via the official website that more work is set to be carried out at Darsley Park with a view to being completed summer 2026.

"The redevelopment proposals look to build upon the significant work we've carried out at our Darsley Park site in recent years, helping to deliver elite performance facilities for our players and staff.

"Planning permission has been submitted for 1,350 square metres of necessary new-build accommodation, focusing on new office and meeting space and additional support facilities.

"In turn, the existing building will be reconfigured to provide further treatment spaces and staff support areas, alongside improved front of house facilities and an enlarged players' lounge."

PIF's willingness to keep pumping money into the club is a good sign

The current facilities have come a long way since the days of taking ice baths in wheelie bins in the Mike Ashley days but are still miles off what other Premier League sides have, even the likes of Bournemouth have just opened new state-of-the-art facilities that put ours to shame.

Obviously, when the new facilities are given the green light, we expect that they'll rival any club's facilities around the world as the PIF won't settle for second best, which is likely why the decision-making process is taking so long.

It's still good to know that the PIF are happy to keep pumping in money to keep the club improving while these mega projects are still in the discussion phase.