The Bermuda Athletic Association has applied for planning permission for a nine-storey condominium block at the edge of its sports field.

BAA says the 46 condos are needed in order to fund an update of its facilities with a new gym and changing rooms. It is now seeking planning permission to demolish its existing gym to make way for a new facility complete with 'home and away' changing rooms, a separate changing room for officials, a snack bar and 'homework room' for youngsters.

The nine-floor condo complex, in Woodlands Road, would be built by G.L. Construction, the company behind the condominiums at six and ten Dundonald Street. It will house a communal lounge on the eighth floor, overlooking the sports field, while a floodlit all-weather playing surface is also planned.

Agents shy Architecture say the one-bedroom units will appeal to "the young professional demographic, who we feel will see the adjacency of top class sporting facilities to their residence as a huge plus to living at this location".

BAA is currently in talks with Glasgow Celtic Football Club and the Bermuda Hogges about "forming a triangular partnership" and says the need to update its facilities is therefore pressing.

"This facility would go a long way in helping those relationships. These relationships would also be beneficial not only for BAA, but for Bermuda as a whole," said BAA President John Doran, in a letter to Planning.

The condos would be sold privately to fund the new facilities, as well as covering any lost income during the construction phase. The BAA gym is currently used by the Bermuda Badminton Association, Bermuda Ball Hockey Association, indoor football, basketball, and other community groups. The sports field is shared with four other clubs, as well as hosting the Bermuda Football Association, rugby, and other events.

In a letter to Planning, Mr. Doran said: "This is a great opportunity for the club and the community to build a state-of-the-art sporting and function facility.

"With a club like ours, the continuous upkeep requires quite a bit of capital to be pumped into it. We currently do not have the capital in the Club's Bank Account to take on this development. Over the last few years we have seen clubs being sold off. Some very historical clubs might I add.

"Unfortunately a lot of the clubs are in desperate need of an overhaul to their facilities. As a club we have no intention of going down the same road as these other clubs. Our club is one of the few open spaces that are left in the centre of Hamilton and it would be a shame to let it go.

"It is an integral part of the community. Our development programme continues to be a safe environment for our youth."

Mr. Doran added: "This development provides two essential needs for Bermuda housing and a new sporting facility, and ensures that this club will be around for another 100 years."