Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council unanimously voted in favour of the development of the 57-acre former Canford Magna Golf Club site, which the club has owned for more than two years.

A phased build will create a state-of-the-art facility which will bring the Cherries’ first team, development squad, academy and pre-academy training operations and facilities into one location.

The centre will include ten full-size pitches, three junior pitches, an indoor artificial playing surface, an outdoor artificial playing surface, medical, fitness, sports science and rehabilitation facilities, administrative space and a press conference theatre.

Existing buildings on the site have already been demolished while land levelling of the former golf course is due to commence later this month.

AFC Bournemouth chief executive, Neill Blake, said: “This is a development which will be state-of-the-art in its design and facilities, while remaining sympathetic to the green belt land it is situated on.

“It is a hugely important scheme, as it will help continue the club’s progression at the highest level of football, which will in turn have a positive effect on the region as a whole.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for the club, both on and off the pitch.”