Cardiff City begin work on long-awaited training ground

An illustration of the plans for Cardiff City's new training complex in Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan

Cardiff City have moved a step closer to a new multi-million pound training base, more than 10 years after it was first proposed.

Work has begun in Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, close to the Football Association of Wales (FAW) headquarters and facilities that Cardiff currently use as tenants.

After more than a decade on initial negotiations, the Bluebirds are set to switch to their new 44-acre site in two seasons’ time.

The Championship club have agreed a £1.5m long-term lease with the Vale of Glamorgan Council to start work on the site, with the overall cost not disclosed – but expected to be more than the £8m invested into the opening of a new academy complex in Llanrumney a year ago.

Cardiff owner Vincent Tan backed the prospect of a new training ground shortly after his takeover in 2010 and is said to be “extremely happy” at the start of the ground work.

Planning permission for the centre was first granted in 2019 which, as well as many as 15 pitches, includes approval for a two-storey central building for a state-of-the-art gym, pool, treatment centre and offices, as well as spectator terraces for the pitches and a 123-space car park.

Work began on the 44-acre site last month after a long-term lease with the local council was agreed

Cardiff City chief executive Ken Choo and director Steve Borley are overseeing initial development, with Choo admitting that “environmental issues” had delayed the club reaching this point.

Last year’s accounts said the club were hoping for the facilities to be ready for the 2026-27 season, with negotiations on a 150-year lease at an advanced stage at that point.

Work formally began in August, with Choo adding: “We have been scheduling and progressing the development of the club; last year we did the academy development with Cardiff University and Cardiff Council, and this year we are prioritising the development of the training ground.

“The Football Association of Wales has been an extremely great partner for us, but by doing this we can be self-sustaining.”

Councillor Lis Burnett, leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, added: “This project has been in the pipeline for a number of years, so I’m delighted that we have now reached agreement over the lease of the land.

“It will offer Cardiff City the opportunity to build a state-of-the-art facility which can benefit its first and youth teams.”