FOR almost a decade Hinksey Park Football Club has had to train and play at Grandpont Nature Park with no changing rooms, toilets or café.

But a new dawn for the club could be just around the corner after planners backed a proposal for a brand new sports pavilion.

Oxford City Council officers have recommended that councillors approve plans for the new building when they meet today.

The nature park has been home to Hinksey Park FC – which has more than 200 members and 10 teams – for almost 10 years, but the club currently has nowhere to change nor any toilet facilities.

The new building – part of a £3.1m project to build and upgrade pavilions across the city – will provide a permanent home for the team.

Club chairman Jim Smith said: “It’s fantastic news. We’ve been waiting a long time for this, and it’s now at a stage where we believe and hope the committee will approve it on the night.

“The club’s been going for almost ten years and we have had no facilities at the rec at all. We have been lobbying the city council for the past four years saying that we desperately need a home.”

He added that the building would also be a hub for the community and schools.

The planners’ recommendation comes after neighbours came out in favour of the bid.

Monmouth Road resident David MacDonald said to the council’s consultation process: “The football club provides excellent service to the community. It provides the opportunity for local children to enjoy football, get exercise and learn useful life skills.

“The club has grown since it was established but for the number of members and the matches played changing rooms, toilets and refreshments are essential.”

Al Cory, of Five Mile Drive, added: “The proposal for a pavilion is brilliant and I fully support it.

“It has been needed for so many years by the community in Grandpont and South Hinksey.”

Courtland Road resident Michael Price said: “Hinksey Park FC has evolved significantly providing an excellent environment for hundreds of children to enjoy football.

“Over this time the club has supported the development of the rec into a central facility for itself and for the community.

“A pavilion is critical to its future survival and will bring an excellent community focus to the location.”

Oxford City Council spokeswoman Louisa Dean said: “We are currently in a tender process for the construction contract at Grandpont Pavilion.

“The programme involves improving 12 existing city council-owned pavilion facilities and the new build at Grandpont. There is £3.1 million budgeted for this and the scheme is due to be completed by summer 2016.

“Sport England’s £26,500 funding will help us improve the quality of the existing Grandpont recreation ground pitches by undertaking drainage works at the site.

“These works are planned to be completed by April 2014.”

The west area planning committee will meet at 6.30pm at the Town Hall.