Oxford University today unveiled plans to create a £19m sports complex at its historic Iffley Road ground.

The University wants to transform the sports ground where Sir Roger Bannister ran the first sub-four minute mile into a centre of sporting excellence, catering for nearly 100 different sports.

But the proposals would safeguard the running track where Sir Roger made sporting history.

The university hopes to create an indoor tennis centre beside Iffley Road, which would involve building on conservation area designated land.

The centre would include three indoor courts with spectator facilities and would meet national competition standards.

But most of the spending would be on a two-tier, £12m indoor sports hall, offering modern facilities.

It says more than 80 Oxford sports clubs would benefit from new basketball courts, a fencing salle, martial arts dojo, multi-use sports studios, weights room and climbing wall.

The social heart of the new site will be an enlarged cafe area, with plans for an expanded fitness gym, new conference facilities and spectator areas. Nearby residents will have their first opportunity to see the development proposal at an exhibition in Oxford University's Rugby Club Pavilion, on Iffley Road, running from tomorrow morning until Tuesday night.

The university says that while the facilities would be primarily for the university's athletes, they would also be available to schools, clubs and the community.

Jon Roycroft, the university's director of sport, said: "Despite the success and diversity of Oxford University sport, the facilities which were state-of-the-art when they were built have become outdated and too small."

The university had looked at the idea of moving its main sports headquarters away from Iffley Road.

But the lack of suitable sites and higher staffing costs persuaded it to develop the existing site, which is also home to the university's rugby club, its 25m swimming pool and a rowing tank.

Mr Roycroft said he would love to see part of the work completed in time for the 2012 Olympics in London, so athletes could train there.

But he said everything depended on the speed the development went through the consultation and planning processes.

And with the development not being funded from central university funds, major benefactors would have to be found.

Mr Roycroft added: "Apart from its historical heritage, Iffley Road is close to central Oxford and has good cycle, pedestrian and public transport access."

David Williams, Green city councillor for Iffley Fields, said: "The facilities at Iffley Road are run down and inadequate. There is a very strong case that something needs to be done.

"But we need to look at the proposals in detail and see the impact on the local community."

Mari Girling, chairman of Iffley Fields Residents' Association, said neighbours were already unhappy about the bright lights glinting from the Iffley Road ground.

She said: "Many people will be concerned about any extra traffic, but at the same time will like the idea of new facilities. Sadly, it means another green open area will be disappearing.

"It's a shame to see yet more building."

The cricket school would be expanded under the plan to create a venue for indoor matches and build on Oxford's status as one of the UK's six university centres of cricketing excellence.

The running track for short and long distance runners would be resurfaced to meet International Amateur Athletics Federation regulations.