BERMUDA Athletic Association is planning an ambitious upgrade which could see a ten-storey apartment block being installed to help pay for a new gym.

And the club is pressing ahead with plans for a state-of-the-art artificial pitch which could be the new home field for the Bermuda Hogges next season.

Plans have been submitted for the housing but BAA president John Doran stressed the deal has not been finalised yet and land will not be sold at the Woodlands Road venue which has been BAA's home since 1920.

He told the Mid-Ocean News: "We will lease out land in return for a new gym. A lot of people have the misconception we are selling off part of BAA, that's not the case." The bold plans came about after some modest proposals to add some amenities to the existing gym were drawn up. "Then the developer said we will put in a new gym if you allow us to put in these condos."

Details of the new, bigger gym are still being worked on but will include a female changing room, a homework club and a health food snack bar.

The housing development even includes a skybox overlooking the field which could lure in sponsors of the Hogges looking for corporate hosting facilities.

The proposed ten-storey building is actually lower than one of the nearby blocks while the venue is outside the Hamilton City limits, said Doran.

He added that the development, offering 46 one-bed mid-priced condos, should tie in with Government's interest in improving sporting facilities and providing more homes.

"This kind of kills two birds with one stone. You get a great sporting facilities and some housing.

"It's geared to people who might want to invest and lease out to international companies or people who just want to live closer to town. One of the things we have talked about is giving our members first right of refusal."

The concept was put forward by developer Gilbert Lopes who did the innovative nearby apartment block next to the Olympic Gym which has a climbing wall attached.

BAA's 128 parking spots will also be retained.

Doran realises planning permission will take at least six months and could take much longer if it goes to appeal while construction could take two years. "You could be talking three years down the line," he said.

Meanwhile the club is pressing ahead with plans for a $750,000 artificial pitch which Doran hopes can be ready for next season. Already $200,000 has been raised and now corporate sponsors are being leaned on.

"And if we can pull this off the Hogges are hoping to play their home games there next season," he said.

Improved bleachers would be put in to accommodate the Hogges supporters once the field is complete.

"The Hogges seemed to be excited by the prospect of it ¿ it's closer to town, it's more compact ¿ they want a fortress when teams come to play here and this would be ideal for them," said Doran who added the National Sports Centre is costly and also difficult to fill.

He said the Hogges were also keen to build up community roots with philanthropic events.

"This ties into what they are trying to do as well."

Doran said about 75 percent of the pitches in the USL were all-weather artificial surfaces.

And that is not the end of BAA's ambitions. They have also forged links with Scottish football powerhouse Celtic to get coaching help while Celtic will get first look at emerging talent.

"Celtic, Hogges and ourselves would become a whole triangular partnership and eventually BAA will become a centre for excellence."

BAA is also interested in doing more for the community said Doran who cited anti-racism and anti-bullying initiatives. The new facility is likely to incorporate a homework club to give kids computers to work on after-school and get them out of harm's way.

"Most trouble starts between 3.30 and 6 p.m. in the evening ¿ you look around the bus shelters and you see the Police out there.

"We are trying to open it up to the community as well as benefiting players who play for the club. We want to increase our membership, improve our teams and yet give something back to the community."