WORCESTERSHIRE FA is planning to move its headquarters to Claines Lane as part of a revamp set to include a 3G pitch.

The council-owned site is operated by the county FA and provides a home for nine teams, including Worcester Raiders of the West Midlands (Regional) League Division One.

The proposed overhaul would include the installation of floodlights and a “small covered seating area”, requirements for Raiders to accept promotion to English football’s 10th tier.

Worcester News reported on the potential upgrade in February but county chiefs have now announced the development of “community areas, office areas and training facilities” subject to planning approval in a bid to relocate its entire operation from the current base in Droitwich.

A statement read: “The plans consist of creating a new community 3G playing surface, upgrading the current grass pitch from FA Step 7 to Step 6 standard including the instalment of floodlights and a small covered seating area and upgrading the changing rooms in a new building space.

“This new space will also include community areas, office areas, and training facilities.

“Whilst providing the local community with opportunities for use, the centrality of the facility within the county makes it an ideal location for Worcestershire’s future football hub.

“The idea behind this ambitious project came when the county FA was presented with a chance to take on the lease of the site from Worcestershire County Council and work in conjunction with the local community.

“This was seen as an opportunity for Worcestershire FA to provide a space for football to develop.

"There were soon some issues with this plan when the current building had to be downgraded. Some areas also had to be sectioned off due to health and safety.

“The new plans aim to address this and show that the site will be a secure and safe environment for the community where everyone will want to come to play football.”

Chief executive Nichola Trigg said: “We are extremely excited about this project.

“Not only will we be able to provide a much needed 3G pitch for the city of Worcester and its surrounding area but we’re also moving the county FA headquarters to a site which everyone associates with football.

“Our aim is to make this a safe, positive football hub for the community to use for many years to come.”