Gloucester Rugby have unveiled plans for a new training facility, next door to the club's Kingsholm Stadium.

The multi-million-pound facility will be built on the site of the old SLG Beauty Warehouse. It will include a 470sqm gym, which includes six Olympic lifting platforms, a rehabilitation centre with both hot and cold recovery systems and a dedicated recovery gym, as well as an indoor high performance training pitch.

Construction is expected to start imminently, with sports facilities ready to use in July.

The investment also includes an upgrade of the existing pitch at Kingsholm to a 'world-class artificial turf' which is said to offer 'unmatched durability'.

George Skivington, Gloucester Rugby head coach, said: “On Gloucester soil and walking distance from the stadium, the acquisition and development of this state-of-the-art facility will fortify Kingsholm as a centre of excellence and double down on our commitment to developing home grown talent.

“We’re also excited about the investment in the synthetic pitch at Kingsholm, which will provide a consistent playing surface in all conditions – something the whole team are really keen for. It also means that we can host multiple matches in one weekend, allowing us to welcome more academy and women’s matches.”

Supplied by Bristol-based sports surface construction company, Verde Recreo, the new pitch has been subjected to strict testing and has the approval of Premiership Rugby and World Rugby.

Gloucester captain Lewis Ludlow said: “We are very excited to start using the upgraded facilities. The new pitch means we can go out on the field knowing what surface to expect, allowing us to focus on the game in hand. This investment in the team will help us ensure we can play our very best week on week and continue to make fans proud.”

The new facility will also include office space, as well as an extended hospitality area.

Gloucester Rugby CEO, Lance Bradley, said: “We are very excited to be able to share this news with the fans and are looking forward to starting work on the development in the coming weeks.

“The development reinforces our commitment to Gloucester and is just the beginning of exciting strides forward for Gloucester Rugby unifying the playing and commercial function in the coming years.

“Of course, the fans are of utmost importance to the Club and we want them to be the first to experience the new facilities. We’ll be inviting all Club members who have donated to the club to an exclusive launch event later in the year, as well as thanking them by displaying their name on a wall within the facility.”