CREWE Alexandra have unveiled plans to build a £1.25m indoor complex at Nantwich.

The Gresty Road club plan to add a new fitness room, hydrotherapy pool and changing rooms to their training ground in Reaseheath, and install an indoor playing surface next to the complex.

Original plans to build a 'soccer airdome' on land near their astroturf pitch in Shavington were ditched due to financial complications.

The move is a giant leap forward for the club which will have facilities to compete with the best in the country.

Alex manager Dario Gradi said: 'We will be looking to get planning permission for a sports hall at Reaseheath, but unlike the other scheme it's not something which we would put up and take down again.

'The advantage of having it here is it's more accessible to the full-time players for their use as well as the kids. We always intended to put one in before we established our academy for the overall use of the club.'

The hall is an essential step if the club is to retain its academy status, and the Football Association has extended the deadline for the project until February.

A planning application will be made to Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council in September.

Chairman John Bowler said: 'It is a major accolade to be one of just 30-odd academies in the country, and one of the regulations we need to meet to retain this status is this facility.

'It will enable us to provide summer and winter training and continue to develop the players of the future in high quality surroundings.'

He added: 'People in the area can help by assisting us achieve planning permission. We need the community and councillors on our side.

'The football club is such an important part of the community and the youth academy we have developed is vital to our growth and survival. We would allow students to benefit from the new facilities.

'The overall cost is around £1.25m and will bring our facilities up to Premier League quality.'