Work has started on the 35 acres of land needed to create pitches at Hibs' £4million state of the art training centre at East Mains near Tranent. Re-fitting the existing former milk processing unit buildings will provide all the modern facilities required by a top football complex at the East Mains Training Centre. If work goes to plan John Collins and his squad will be able to move in later this year. After visiting the former agricultural land, bought by Hibs in a £636,000 deal last year, Collins described the prospect of having a dedicated training centre rather than trawling Edinburgh for suitable venues on virtually a daily basis as "fantastic". Up to ten full-sized grass pitches can be accommodated while the existing building will be converted to house dressing rooms, an indoor artificial five-a-side pitch, players' lounges, treatment rooms, a laundry, kitchen and dining area.
Hibs chairman Rod Petrie described the news as "historic", coming just after Hibs' CIS Insurance Cup win. He said: "We are developing our own centre as a permanent base for training our professionals. The facilities will rival anything available elsewhere in the country. This is being achieved as part of the board's strategy for incremental improvement, on and off the field. The training centre is a major commitment and the board continues to exercise sensible financial management to ensure the club is around for future generations to enjoy as a successful and thriving Scottish club." Collins, who only recently took his squad to the south of Spain in search of decent training facilities as the wintry weather hit Edinburgh, said: "The facilities look fantastic. Having our own training centre will be a massive boost for the players and coaching staff. The facilities will ensure we can prepare as thoroughly and professionally as possible all the year round and I am sure they will help Hibs attract and develop the best football talent."
