A £1.3 million pavilion which could revolutionise youth sport in York could be up and running in as little as two years - but only if council chiefs first give the go-ahead.

York Cricket and Rugby Union Club's dreams of revitalising their Shipton Road headquarters are before planning bosses at City of York Council on Thursday, and officers are recommending the scheme be given the green light.

If councillors agree, Martyn Harrison, a former York Rugby Union Club captain and chair of the development team, said the vision was for the plush new clubhouse to be up and running by 2008 or 2009.

The club wants to demolish its clubhouse at Clifton Park and build a new three-storey pavilion - with more changing rooms, function rooms and a new bar.

Five years in the planning, it would meet standards laid down by Sport England and would transform the club's home, replacing facilities which have not been refurbished since the 1960s.

A council report, written by development control officer Matthew Parkinson, reveals there have been few objections but concerns were raised over bar opening times and parking.

He concludes that officers considered the proposal, based in the green belt, to be an "appropriate development".

Harrison said club chiefs would be attending Thursday's meeting with "everything crossed".

"We are very hopeful. Fingers and everything are crossed at the moment," he said.

"The million dollar question is when it will be ready. We will be out in the market (subject to the council's decision) for bids on our proposals.

"Realistically, we have got to put a two-year construction period as our target and our vision is we would see something quite special in maybe 2008 or 2009.

"What we are trying to do is develop an excellent facility that will take sport forward in York for the next 20 to 30 years."

Designed by Leeds architects Thompson Spencer, the ground floor would consist of the changing and shower rooms, the second floor would house function and club roomsj with a third floor balcony providing a viewing area over the site. The club's "open door" policy will continue.

Updated: 10:27 Saturday, March 04, 2006