RESIDENTS had a sneak preview of a major new sports complex at Malvern College.

Plans for the 9.1m high structure, on the site of an existing sportshall near Woodshears Road, were on display at the school this week.

It will incorporate an eight court sports hall, 25m pool and extensive fitness suite, as well as squash courts and a firing range.

A separate scheme proposes a new athletics track and state-of-the-art changing facilities at the school's playing fields in Barnards Green.

The sports centre is sunk into the ground, with a sloping roof on the swimming pool to match the natural contours of the land.

Planning consultant Mike Beese said areas of the roof would be grass-covered, and coloured green to compliment views of the hills.

"We are keen not to try and hide this building," he said. "The glimpses of it from Woodshears Road up to the hills are a fundamental part of the design."

Mr Beese said the development was essential as the school's current sports facilities did not match modern requirements.

An existing pool would become a function suite, while the new sports facilities would be offered for community use around the school timetable.

Malvern St James recently underwent a well documented battle to gain permission for a new sportshall, but Mr Beese said that application had no bearing on their plans.

"We would have done it this way regardless," he said. "Public consultation is an important part of planning nowadays, and it is something we would always do."

Les Thomas, of St Andrews Road, used the college's sports facilities as a youngster at Mill Lane school. He was absolutely delighted with what he saw at the exhibition.

"It looks absolutely superb, it would have been nice if it was there 70 years ago," he said. "The architect has done a very good job, and it's great that they are consulting residents first."

Planning applications for both schemes will be submitted by July, with January 2008 earmarked to start construction. The sportshall would then be complete by September 2009.

The exhibition is open at St Edmund's Hall, College Road, from 3-8pm today (Thursday).