After a ten-year campaign. Brighton & Hove Hockey Club has finally been granted planning permission to build a state of the art £2m training facility

"Everyone involved is delighted at the prospect of having a Club House to call their own," said Development Officer Cameron Heath 'The site will also benefit local schools, but we still have to raise the £2m - so the campaign isn't over yet "

Cardinal Newman Catholic School, and Brighton & Hove Sixth Form College will share use of the facility with the hockey club.

"Brighton & Hove is crying out for decent, safe facilities and schools will have priority over both pitches from 9am to 4 pm," said B&H Club member Linda Musco ''There is also an opportunity for other sports clubs or community groups lo use the pitches."

The plans include two all-weather pitches and an environmentally friendly sports pavilion The innovative architect and designer of the sleek glass-fronted building is Nicola Thomas "The pavilion will be built into a slope; the roof will be covered in

earth where grass can grow" said Nicola  "This will be very cost-efficient insulation and a superb viewpoint from which to watch the games."

The hockey club currently boasts eight men's teams, six women's teams and a junior section For a long tine now they have all been suffering from having to split their teams between two venues every week.

"The change will see great improvement in the junior teams," said Cameron. The club will be easy to get to on foot, and public transport is easier We hope we will attract more new young players "

Cameron and the other club members are taking the project very seriously and are pulling together to raise the £2m as quickly as possible

"We're applying for funding from the lottery and other major fund raising organisations. We're doing everything we can."