PHC (Pembroke Hamilton Club) unveiled plans yesterday which are destined to make it the flagship of Bermuda's sporting community.

Club President Chris Furbert proudly announced the club was planning a $4 million multi-dimensional complex at its Middle Road-Stadium Lane base in Warwick.

The project, which has been in the making for the past decade, will see the construction of a modern clubhouse with a gymnasium, health club, changing rooms, boardroom, recreation room, a library and computer area and a Members' bar.

This facility, which will feature terraced, covered seating for 450 people, will overlook a full-size cricket ground which will double as a soccer field, with the option of being utilised for other sports. In total, the project will encompass 40,000 square feet.

"We are very proud of this project. It will take our club to another level. It has taken some time but PHC wanted to make sure that we had the right combination of what needed to be done for our community club and we think we've come up with that combination. We are sure other clubs will want to emulate PHC," said Furbert, prior to a visual presentation of the complex's architectural design.

Addressing a Press conference at PHC's clubhouse on the very site that will be transformed, the president said the club will be submitting its drawings to the Planning Department today for approval. Given the customary six-to-eight-week wait, PHC is hoping to start construction by May and, if all goes well, to complete the new premises in 15 to 18 months.

"We definitely want to have the field ready by September 2003 and, hopefully open for the 2003-2004 season. It will be nice to have all the PHC family under one roof," he added.

A number of "major institutions" are contributing to this pricey venture by granting PHC "favourable rates" on materials and services. This gesture, Furbert noted, will reduce costs significantly.

"People might think we are out of our mind. This is 40,000 square feet and experts in construction might average costs at $8 million but we're getting some favourable rates. We would like to build this for $3.5 to $4 millon."

The plans received the blessing of parliamentary representatives for Warwick West, Ewart Brown and El James. Both were involved in the club's discussions with residents of the area about the project.

"This is a happy day for the parish and this neighbourhood. Nothing brings more energy and life to a community than when a community organisation can turn a vision into a reality," said Brown.

James noted that constituents have complained that Warwick lacks recreational facilities and he is "looking forward to this facility serving the many families in this area".

PHC's head soccer coach, Mark Wade, said that for years PHC had not had its own training base and members have had to use school grounds across Bermuda.

"To be able to bring all our teams home will be phenomenal. Our fans would like to have a home too," he said.

Wade, who has been a club member since age 14 and who is on the club's management committee, said PHC would be willing to assist other clubs wishing to make similar developmental strides.

"We're willing to share our experience.

"At the end of the day, it's not just good enough for PHC to improve its facility.

"If we can get facilities improved throughout the country, then our overall sporting product will improve."

Lewis Burrows, 71, who has been a PHC member since 1950, expressed delight at the project. The executive committee member hopes "to be around" to see it come to fruition.