MGM Construction to kick-off work on Beamish Football Centre revamp

Plans have been unveiled to revamp a community space known for helping football stars kick-off their careers.

Beamish Football Centre is being redeveloped in £1.6 million moves that will transform the site into a “Premier League level” education and sport base.

The hub has long acted as a breeding ground for professional players, with Newcastle United wonderkids Jamie and Lewis Miley, Coventry’s Ben Wilson and ex-Everton defender Lewis Gibson noted alumni.

Gateshead’s MGM Construction will break ground on the development in January.

Ryan Gardiner, the company’s director, said: “This is an unbelievably exciting project and we are thrilled to have been selected as construction partner.

“The centre is going to cement Beamish Football Centre’s reputation as a major grassroots footballing force in the North East.”

Once open, the centre will be the realisation of a decade-long dream.

Born out of the ashes of the disused Stanley School of Technology, a local not-for-profit organisation – Stanley Events – took the old PE block and converted it into Beamish Football Centre.

To date, the site has helped improve the lives of more than 3000 people, while Sunderland AFC’s Foundation of Light regularly stages coaching programmes at the venue.

Training facilities will be upgraded, for both education and fitness, with a new bar and function space also set to be created.

The project has been realised thanks to money from the Youth Investment Fund.

The scheme has been supported by architect Mawson Kerr, consulting engineers Jasper Kett and Elvet Consultants.

Carl Marshall, who runs Stanley Events with wife Anna, said he is thrilled work is set to begin.

He added: “This is the perfect time to bring this dream to life; we can’t wait to deliver something special for our wonderful community.”