Conlon Construction has started work on the 35-acre site. Once complete, it will comprise a single-storey 675sq m changing and spectator facility; a 3G sports pitch, replacement grass rugby pitch and training area and a reconfigured and extended car park. The sports facilities will be used by the Spirit of Youth Junior Football Club, which has 250 registered players, and other clubs in the local area.

The build will take 10 months to complete with an anticipated opening in summer 2022. Blackpool Council has also applied for £200,000 grant funding from the Football Foundation to assist the project.

Designed by Preston-based architectural, planning and building surveying practice, Cassidy + Ashton, the scheme is the first stage of a £28.8m investment allocated for the redevelopment of the wider 355-acre Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

“We are delighted to see Conlon Construction start work on the new changing rooms and spectator pavilions that will deliver a transformational change for the local grass roots sports clubs using these facilities regularly,” said Cllr Mark Smith, cabinet member for enterprise, business and job creation.

“The first-class accommodation will make such a difference to weekly matches and training sessions, and will also enable Blackpool to attract and host high profile championships and tournaments in the future, starting with the Blackpool Cup already planned for spring 2022.”