Both military personnel and civilians could benefit from a new sporting facility at Carver Barracks if the ambitious proposal comes to fruition.

It is hoped funding can be secured for an all-weather running track and synthetic sports pitch at the Wimbish base.

The proposal, put forward by 33 and 101 Engineer Regiments (EOD), is expected to cost between £750,000 and £900,000.

If given the go-ahead, members of the public would be given access to the facilities, which could be used by running groups, hockey teams and football clubs.

Station Quartermaster Lt Col Will MacDonald said: “Sporting facilities at the barracks, including a small all-weather pitch, are already heavily used by the local community so our proposal provides an excellent opportunity to significantly develop such facilities and meet wider Government targets for access to sporting facilities.”

He added: “The running track and the artificial pitch will both have potential for expansion to include spectator seating.

“The current changing facilities and parking will be used initially on completion of the project with a view to perhaps enhancing them later.”

Funding for the project will be sought from Sport England, county and district councils, and the Armed Forces Community Convenant grant scheme.

Income made from the proposed facility would be plugged back into maintenance and enhancement of the site.

Captain Tony Dale said: “This is going to be a fantastic project to work on and be a part of. To see the end result and the facility being used by both military and civilian communities side by side will be very rewarding.”