A SURGE in the popularity of athletics since the Olympics is one reason why Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletics Club is seeking permission for a new space-saving building.

The club wants to install a 4mx2m glass-fibre building to house competition judges and hi-tech electronic timing equipment on match-days at Down Grange sport complex in Basingstoke.

The application follows the £500,000 project last year which increased the number of running lanes from six to eight.

The upgrade meant the club can host bigger county-level competitions, and British Athletics League division matches. The latest planning application, according to club chairman Chris Blow, will, if approved, give athletes and officials more space during matches.

He said: “The upgrade has allowed bigger and better competitions at the track. The club ideally needs an enclosed space when holding these meetings to house electronic photo-finish equipment and officials.”

Mr Blow added that since the 2012 London Olympics, membership for the Under 11 squad has more than doubled from 40 to 90.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council planners will decide by March whether to allow the “temporary building” to be installed. The club has the long-term goal of a 300-seat spectator stand with training area, and somewhere to house officials.