Oxford University's plans for a major overhaul of its Iffley Road sports complex have been given the green light by Oxford City Council.

FaulknerBrowns Architects are behind the design of the multi-million pound project, which is set to include the demolition of the existing grandstand. A lower grandstand will be built to accommodate an indoor cricket school, a projectiles range, spectator seating and changing rooms.

Meanwhile, a one double-sized and one single-sized sports hall linked by a timber and glass structure housing the main entrance and atrium foyer and a two-storey gym are also planned. Jon Roycroft, the university's director of sport, said: "These much needed facilities will be used by University and college sports teams, the wider university and importantly the local community.

"Our athletes are jostling for space, so this will enable them to train more regularly in and around their academic studies, as well as expanding access to a wide range of indoor sports." The Iffley Road complex is where Sir Roger Bannister completed the first sub-four-minute mile in 1954.