League One football club Charlton Athletic has begun working on the second stage of its training ground development.

This phase will include the laying of a synthetic community pitch, as well as the construction of: two changing rooms, classrooms, a consultation area, a 3G rugby pitch, increased parking and an access road.

It is part of a four-phase process to revamp the whole site, improving facilities for the first team, the Charlton Athletic Community Trust, Charlton Athletic Women’s Team, Footscray Rugby Club and the local community.

The work on phase two is expected to be completed by September. Phase three of the development will begin following the end of the season, and involves the renovation of the first team’s natural turf training pitches.

Community programmes, such as after school clubs, walking clubs, and running, cricket and walking football will still be played during the work period.

Katrien Meire, chief executive of Charlton Athletic FC, said the development was a “good example of our approach”.

“The improvements will benefit the club and the local community for many decades to come,” she added.

Local MP Clive Efford said: “This is going to be a real hub of sport for the local community. I think Charlton really does deserve a great deal of credit.”