The new multi-faceted sports and recreational complex to be built by the Pembroke Hamilton Club will get going on `gas'.

Club president Chris Furbert announced yesterday that, as part of the wide-ranging development of PHC's Stadium Lane property in Warwick, the club has agreed to the long-term lease of a section of that land to Esso for a new gas station.

Though declining to say how much the agreement will net PHC, he acknowledged that it will boost the club's financial position significantly and assist with plans to construct its multi-million-dollar sporting facility.

"We have a 20-year lease with Esso and that deal is going to enhance PHC's cash flow position. From what I understand Esso will be moving its Riddell's Bay operation down here," he said, confirming previous reports of the imminent development at a press conference at PHC's clubhouse. Expanding on plans for the site, Furbert said Stadium Lane - which runs from Middle Road to Pearman's Hill - will be realigned. Its entrance will be shifted 100 feet to the east and the road will be rejoined to Pearman's Hill.

"The portion where Stadium Lane will be realigned (from) is the portion that we are leasing to Esso. It's about 20 000 square feet of land and we're leasing it for 20 years with an option to renew for a further 20 years."

However, the PHC leader was quick to stress that, with or without Esso's involvement, the sports complex would have been built. "This project was going to be done regardless. Basically what we propose to offset the income - to service our debt - is the rental of the town club that we have (on Reid Street) and the (rental of the) new facility itself. I don't want people thinking that if Esso walks away, they will never see this complex. That's not true," said Mr. Furbert, addressing the media and other club officials.

PHC, he noted, will be exploring a variety of revenue-earning ventures that would allow the new complex to help pay for itself.

"What we're looking to do is, particularly in the off-season, try to get some basketball teams down here. Also, this is an option for show promoters who are constantly looking for venues at which to hold events. We'll have an indoor facility that can seat between 1,500 and 2,000 people and we're sure it will be successful."

PHC's head soccer coach, Mark Wade, cited countless income-earning prospects for the multi-functional development, including the hosting of international tournaments.

"With a facility that has the different aspects that this one will have, there's no reason we couldn't host various tournaments - football and cricket. The surface could also be used for rugby and hockey and our gym can be used for netball, badminton, volleyball. We can even bring in boxing and host shows. There's a host of options for generating revenue."