ARMAGH GAA has put forward ambitious £5million plans to transform the current facilities at the St Malachy’s club in Portadown.
The proposed development was endorsed by clubs at Monday night’s county committee meeting following a presentation by architect Paul McCreanor from McCreanor and Co Architects.
Plans for the new state-of-the-art training venue include four full-size floodlit grass pitches, changing facilities, strength and conditioning suite, cryotherapy suites, presentation studio, air-dome covered multi-use sports area, administrative facilities, ball-wall, terraced spectator stand and car parking.
This development would cater for county teams and academy squads, as well as providing a further option for competitive club games across all codes.
“This really is an exciting time for Armagh GAA and with the full support of our clubs, this new development for a state-of-the-art training facility is very much welcomed,” said county chairman Michael Savage.
“It is a well-known fact that we need better, improved facilities for our county teams and academy squads and we are delighted to work towards turning this vision into reality.
“We are now ready to submit plans for planning permission and hope to have a decision in early spring 2020. I want to thank the project team and Paul McCreanor for their tremendous work to date.
“Meanwhile we will be exploring all funding opportunities to ensure these vital facilities are delivered while continuing to raise funds through our club draw.”
Architect Paul McCreanor added: “We are thrilled to be working along with Armagh GAA on such an important local project and we’re delighted the feedback received to date has been very positive from the clubs and the local community who have all really got behind this development.
“The new facility will provide a critical boost for the county teams and academy squads and we are really looking forward to getting this one on site as soon as possible.”
