Mowbray is delighted with the plans for a training complex

Should planning permission be granted for the East Mains project, Hibs hope to have the facility up and running for pre-season training in 2007.

"I am delighted that the club has taken this major step forward," said Easter Road manager Tony Mowbray.

"I have said many times that training facilities are, in my view, the number one priority."

The 36 acre site will eventually include up to 10 full size grass pitches, a gym, treatment area, an indoor short-sided synthetic pitch and specialist training areas.

"This devlopment will mean we will have a base to work from in producing better players and better teams," added Mowbray.

"The coaching department has stressed to the board the need to have grass training pitches and related facilities where we can work mornings and afternoons without interruptions.

"I am certain that in the years ahead it will prove money wisely spent as the club continues to develop talented footballers."

Hibs will take over the farm land at East Mains

Hibs will pay �636,000 for the farm land, which is a twenty minute drive from Easter Road Stadium.

"The club is in a rock solid financial position, performing at better than break even," said Hibs chairman Rod Petrie.

"That platform provides us with confidence in tackling this investment.

"Our financial performance has allowed us to commit to this process at the same time as increasing the budget for the squad.

"However, while funding for an initial phase of the work is in place we will continue with the development over the coming years to ensure Hibernian has training facilities on a par with anything offered elsewhere.

"To do so, we will be exploring sources of funding including working closely with supporters."