PLANS have now been officially submitted by Warrington Wolves to move into a new training facility.

An application has been received by Warrington Borough Council’s planning department for Victoria Park Arena, off Knutsford Road in Latchford.

The proposal is for the conversion of an existing under croft to become a gymnasium and changing room facility, along with associated minor external alterations.

The plans by applicant Warrington Wolves Foundation also seek approval for the erection of modular classrooms and offices.

Wire’s current training base is at the University of Chester’s Padgate Campus on Crab Lane.

However, the site has been earmarked for housing following the university’s departure in 2021, and it currently operates out of two education bases in the town centre.

In January, David Wilson Homes announced its intention for a new housing estate of 400 homes at the campus

In announcing the news, the developer said its plans for the campus would ‘repurpose an underutilised site and provide much-needed high quality housing’, as well as ‘helping to support the future of Warrington’s sport in delivering new and upgraded sports facilities across the borough’.

David Wilson Homes added that it was working closely with Warrington Wolves, the club’s charitable foundation and other sports clubs to secure the long-term future of Warrington’s sport.

Documents submitted as part of the Victoria Park training ground application state: “The Warrington Wolves Rugby League Foundation training facility is currently located at the University of Chester’s Padgate Campus on Crab Lane.

“The club uses this via a tenancy agreement, but this is due to be terminated in the next few months, and there is to be an imminent sale of the land for development.

“After working closely with Warrington Borough Council to secure alternative and fit for purpose accommodation, the existing sports and recreation facilities at Victoria Park have been identified as being the most suitable and sustainable location within the borough.

“This submission therefore seeks planning consent from the local planning authority to ensure that Warrington Wolves Rugby League Foundation continues its community progress within the borough.

“It also aims to provide improved training and sports rehabilitation facilities for all of the teams that are associated with Warrington Wolves and local stakeholders.”

They add: “We consider that this statement and supporting plans positively demonstrate that the proposed development would maintain and enhance the open space allocation that Victoria Park provides to the community, without causing any other demonstrable harm to the built environment, residential amenity and highway safety.”