Work is underway on Cardiff City's new multi-million pound training base at Hensol.
Construction began shortly after the Bluebirds finalised a £1.5 million deal with Vale Council to lease the 44-acre site near both Hensol Villas and the FAW's headquarters.
Fifteen pitches are being built along with a state-of-the-art gym, treatment facilities and offices.
The Championship club, which currently uses FAW training facilities, says "plenty of progress" has already been made on the development since two of its directors oversaw the first stages on August 9th.
It's hoped the new training base - which was granted planning permission five years ago - will be ready in 2026.
Ken Choo, Cardiff City's chief executive, said: "It’s a big day for us. We’ve been waiting for this day for ages, and finally the day has come.Tan Sri Vincent is extremely happy."
"There were many environmental matters that we had to take into account. We have been scheduling and progressing the development of the club; last year we did the Academy development with Cardiff University and Cardiff Council, a tripartite agreement, and this year we are prioritising the development of the training ground."
“The Football Association of Wales has been an extremely great partner for us, but by doing this, we can be self-sustaining. It’s great for the players in the Academy who are coming through; they can see, from the Academy, the training ground and the stadium, that pathway.”
When the deal was first announced last month, Vale Council hailed it as a major financial boost to their cause, amid budget challenges caused by real-term funding cuts along with hikes in energy, inflation and interest rates.
The £1.5 million deal comes in three installments - with two already received now that work has begun and the third due when work is completed.
Council leader Lis Burnett said at the time: “This project has been in the pipeline for a number of years, so I’m delighted that we have now reached agreement over the lease of the land."
"It will offer Cardiff City the opportunity to build a state-of-the-art facility which can benefit its first and youth teams."
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