A £500,000 two-storey community and sporting centre could be built at Bury's Hoyle Park.

And a sports club has been established to spearhead the plan after being given self-management status by Bury Council.

A two-year fund-raising campaign has been launched to meet the costs of the development which will bring recreation and education under one roof.

Under the proposals, the existing 1930s park pavilion will be demolished to make way for the two-storey community centre and changing rooms facility.

When completed, the building will offer an Internet cafe, creche, education facilities for children and about ten changing rooms. Representatives from the 12 soccer and three rounders teams which use the park have set up the Hoyle Park Sports Club which is responsible for the management and future of the recreation facilities.

Mr Paul Barry, club chairman who is also attached to Walshaw Park FC, said: "We're in the process of carrying out painting and decorating to the existing changing rooms and we've also invested £1,000 in a new mower.

"So far, we've spent 200 volunteer hours and £2,500 on improvements."

Under the self-management contract, the new sports club will have responsibility for certain parts of the park for the next 22 years.

Commenting on the plans, Mr Barry said: "We're looking to demolish the existing pavilion and our two-year plan involves having a two-storey building there.

"As far as the £500,000 cost is concerned, we'll have to raise that ourselves."

He is hopeful that the Football Foundation will contribute and that local businesses will also rally round. The club is also forging links with local tenants' and residents' associations.

"We've already spoken to someone from Sport England and they like our plan," added Mr Barry.

"They would be our last port of call if our funding efforts are eventually exhausted.

"We are anxious to make improvements to the place. It's now a matter of getting funds and partners to support us".