ALTRINCHAM have embodied the ‘Sport For All’ Olympic ideal by launching plans for a new £750,000 community hall, aimed at increasing participation and fitness levels throughout the area.

In a bold initiative that will improve the appearance of their Moss Lane ground and provide a much-needed new facility, the club intend constructing a low-rise building next to the main stand to be used for a range of sport and leisure pursuits, from indoor bowls, cricket and martial arts to pilates and dance.

It is hoped planning permission will be granted by the end of July, with work starting as soon as possible afterwards and projected to be completed by the end of next season.

In keeping with their community image, Alty hope the entire town is energised by the scheme and that individuals as well as sports and leisure groups will make use of the hall.

The recent advent of a non-profit trust means the club can access funding from the Premier League and other organisations - but up to £200,000, depending on grants, will still be needed to meet the overall cost of around £750,000.

“This is a very exciting project, but we do need the support of local companies and business for it to proceed,” said chairman Grahame Rowley.

“Sponsorship and fund-raising details will be announced shortly, and it will help enormously if supporters and local people get involved as much as they can.

“We were all inspired by London 2012, and as a club, we want to play a leading role in helping Altrincham people play sport – not just football.

“It’s coming up to a year since the Games, and we’ve been working hard to get this project off the ground. I’m delighted we’re now in a position to submit to planning, and we’re hoping everyone really gets behind it.”

The new development will significantly enhance what is currently a run-down section of the ground and will include improvements to the car park on Golf Road, to make sure all traffic can be accommodated.

It will house a bar for club use on match-days and feature a museum to celebrate Alty’s famous giant-killing FA Cup exploits. The museum will also detail the town’s rich and colourful history.