CHESHIRE FA has said Winsford is the best location for a new football facility it believes will be the first of its kind in Europe.

The county governing body ruled out Northwich, where it had initially wanted to build what it is calling an elite performance centre, following a search that took into consideration more than two dozen alternatives.

Instead it has chosen Knights Grange outdoor sports complex, on Grange Lane, as a preferred site.

Meanwhile officials confirmed a specification for the project, which will be a centre of excellence for women's and girls' football, remains unchanged.

But what else did we learn this week?

Where at Knights Grange will it be built?

We don’t know, at least not specifically, other than the former golf course will be redeveloped.

Stuart Manifould, the project's director, said in response to a question from the Guardian that designers had only just started work on a master-plan before promising 'not too far down the line' to share it.

Can we rule out golf being played there again?

No, not yet.

In response to a question from the Guardian earlier this week, Cheshire West and Chester Council said its position was unchanged.

"We have been unable to identify a viable commercial proposal for Knights Grange Golf Club at this stage," it said in a statement.

A sign at the entrance confirms the course remains closed until further notice.

Run me through what Cheshire FA is proposing to put there

A 3,000 capacity stadium with 1,000 seats

Two 3G outdoor pitches reserved for 'community use'

One indoor 3G pitch, the first of its kind available to grassroots users

Luxury hotel and spa with wellbeing and conference spaces

Medical facility for rehabilitation, preventative and precautionary of elite athletes

'Urban Attack' outdoor activity attraction

Who is going to run it?

Last year Cheshire FA said it intended to set up a separate body to operate the facility on its behalf.

The Guardian understands a final decision hasn't been made though.

It is unclear whether Cheshire FA will become a tenant of Cheshire West and Chester Council, landowner at Knights Grange and a partner in the project, or their formal working relationship will be under a different arrangement.

Who is paying for it?

At its inception last year, Vision 20/20 was costed at an estimated £70m.

However no reference at all was made to that figure on Tuesday.

The bill will be split between a range of sources from inside and outside of the game, including national sporting facilities grant providers and private contributions.

In November last year, Cheshire FA said those funding agreements were in place subject to a site being secured.

So when will it be ready?

Ideally, by July 2021.

Completion then would then be in time for the UEFA Women’s European Championship, which the English FA is hosting, and visiting teams could spend time in Winsford to train and prepare for matches during the tournament.

Is that why it's a hub for women and girls?

No, it’s not, and Cheshire FA repeated this week that the project’s mantra is ‘Football For All’.

Manifould said: “This facility will have national and international significance as well as providing outstanding facilities for local people.”

He added that two 3G pitches there would be reserved primarily for ‘community use’.

Which FA Women’s Super League side is going to be based there?

We don’t know, and negotiations are ongoing.

What about planning?

An application isn't ready yet, and won't be for a some time.

However Cheshire FA has promised 'full engagement' with residents as the development progresses.

Will Grange Lane be the only access point?

We don’t know, and it's too early to say, but Cheshire FA has confirmed that it is considering other options.

Is Cheshire FA moving to Winsford then?

Yes, its headquarters will be at the new facility once it opens.

However the governing body plans to maintain a presence at Moss Farm where it operates a 3G pitch.

And could other teams join 1874 Northwich as tenants at the stadium?

In short, yes.

The memorandum of understanding Cheshire FA has with 1874 Northwich isn’t exclusive.