KILMARNOCK have announced that they have received planning permission to begin work on a top-of-the-range training facility.
The club plan to break ground on the Bowie Park Training Centre next month.
East Ayrshire council approved the development plans, after the club began the planning process in December 2022.
In a club statement from December 2022, Kilmarnock announced that: “The Bowie Park Training Facility proposal is being scoped with a view to creating a dedicated club training ground where Kilmarnock’s men’s, women’s and academy teams can develop within the same purpose-built environment.”
Now, almost 18 months later, they have received permission to begin work next month.
The club stated: “Funded by Billy Bowie, the proposal includes the creation of two five-a-side and two full-size pitches – one with an accompanying 500-seat stand – alongside a two-floor training facility building which features a gym, changing rooms, canteen / seminar room, offices and a players’ lounge.
“Proposed designs have been drawn up with a vision of streamlining the club’s pathway from the academies to the first-team squads by enabling teams of all levels to train in close proximity.
“The complex is also set to provide a permanent home for Kilmarnock Women and the academy, with potential to evolve the 500-seat stand in the future.”
It’s the latest infrastructure announcement for Killie – who also plan to rip up their plastic home pitch at Rugby Park and relay the surface with grass again ahead of season 2025-26.
As well as that, and a new training centre in the future, Killie also have European football to look forward to this season.