Fulham Football Club has announced plans to rebuild its training ground for an under-21s academy in Motspur Park.

The championship football club has submitted a planning application to Kingston Council outlining plans to replace its indoor training facility, build a 500-capacity spectator area and a 103 overspill space car park.

Supporters of the club were told of the news in the match day programme against Birmingham City at Craven Cottage over the weekend.

Wimbledon Times:

Fulham plan to build a 500 capacity spectator area at the training ground

A spokesman for Fulham FC said the proposed plans would be “essential in maintaining Fulham’s Category One designation" under the Elite Player Performance Plan.

He added: "The enhanced facilities will allow the club to bring back some of its community functions as well as providing increased opportunities for local schools to use the facilities for educational purposes."

A public consultation on the plans took place with residents during the summer, the Fulham FC spokesman said.

St James Ward Councillor Ken Smith said: “There are numerous processes that have to be gone through, so there’s a long way to go.

“I’ve looked at the drawings and I went along to the consultation but there wasn’t a great deal of detail. I have no personal opinion; it’s up to the residents now to decide what they want.”

On official documents submitted to the council, it said: “If planning permission is refused this will have catastrophic implications for the club in sporting and economic terms and will put in doubt its future at Motspur Park.

“This will also mean that community and education benefits associated with the scheme will not come forward.”

Kingston University announced it would be entering into a partnership with Fulham FC to offer internships, training opportunities and a sports journalism programme to its students last month. The link hopes to encourage more students into higher education.

Motspur Park became Fulham’s major training ground in 1999 and currently accommodates more than 100 staff members.

Comments on the proposals for the 10.5 hectare site can be made until Friday, December 4 on the Kingston Council website.