Cardiff City have unveiled a major refurbishment of their Vale of Glamorgan training complex, with the gym doubled in size and new facilities including a sauna, player lounge, and dedicated analysis theatre.
The transformation of the club's Hensol base was completed in just six weeks by CMB Engineering, whose managing director Steve Borley is also a Cardiff City director. The work was finished ahead of the players' return for pre-season as Brian Barry-Murphy's side prepared for their Championship comeback.
Gym doubled and new facilities added
Multiple internal walls were removed to double the size of the gym, and a new anti-slip cushioned floor was installed. The complex now also features a new sauna and a player lounge, while the medical facilities have been significantly expanded.
The entire building was redecorated and rebranded throughout, creating a brighter and more modern environment for players and staff.
Analysis theatre with motivational messages
A dedicated team analysis theatre has been created, with messages on the walls aligned with Barry-Murphy's principles. Phrases include "We press... we sprint back", "Stay on your feet", "Heads up", "We never stop" and "Maximum intent".
CMB said the players were "genuinely impressed" when they returned and saw the scale of the transformation.
Pride in the project
CMB added there was a particular sense of pride attached to the project because of its longstanding relationship with Cardiff. "With our long-standing ties to Cardiff City FC, this project was about far more than delivering another successful refurbishment – it was one that carried real pride for everyone involved," the company said.
The refurbishment comes after Cardiff were forced to rethink plans for a new purpose-built training ground. The Vale of Glamorgan complex is owned by the Football Association of Wales, limiting structural changes. Plans to relocate ahead of the 2026/27 season were put on hold after relegation to League One, with the club prioritising financial stability. Promotion back to the Championship has revived the prospect, although the club are understood to want finances to strengthen before construction resumes.
CMB also paid tribute to its site team and subcontractors, led by Jimmy Borley, while Morgans Consult was recognised for overseeing the branding. The transformation gives Cardiff's players a much larger gym, new recovery facilities, an improved medical area, and a dedicated space for tactical analysis.
