Plans have been revealed to create a new £70 million women's football facility complete with luxury hotel and spa in Northwich, Cheshire.

Cheshire FA, which will develop the scheme in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council and ION Developments, said it is also in discussions with a WSL1 club to become a partner on what will be a 'best in class' football environment.

Featuring a number of 3G football pitches (one of which will be covered) along with six high quality grass football pitches for use by grassroots clubs, the site will also contain a Medical Centre, full injury treatment and rehabilitation facilities.

In addition, two FIFA quality Grassmaster Hybrid pitches will also be located on the site, with one flanked by a 1,000 seat stadium for Cheshire FA and partner operations. A second Hybrid pitch will be allocated to private training for visiting national teams international teams using the site in preparation for domestic or European competition.

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The site will boast a full facility luxury hotel and spa that can be enjoyed by the local community, as well as visiting professional sports people.

Once full planning permission is secured, it is estimated the scheme will take around 18 months to build.

Dave Edmunds, the Chairman of Cheshire FA, said: "This proposal will see Cheshire at the forefront of County FA Football Development at every level of the game.

"Our aim is to provide a fantastic facility that will significantly increase opportunities and experiences for all participants within the game, be they individuals or Clubs. At a time when the Football Association is targeting the doubling of participation in the women's game, this will also give Cheshire and our partners the chance to lead the way, and create a lasting legacy not only for women's and girl's football, but the whole game throughout the County of Cheshire."

Steve Parry, Managing Director of ION Developments, added: "We are greatly looking forward to bringing what will become a world-class football centre with luxury hotel to Cheshire.

"The finished development will not only enhance Cheshire's brilliant reputation as a footballing destination and bring hotel rooms to a thriving tourism destination, but will also give women and girls football the much needed state-of-the-art facilities to help reach its full potential."

Image credit: Architects Space & Place.

(LM/MH)