An artist's impression of how a redeveloped Copthall Stadium would look © Saracens.com

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Saracens have unveiled their plans to play at the Barnet Copthall Stadium as of next season - on an artificial pitch.

The installation of a state-of-the-art playing surface forms a key element of the club's proposal to revive the Barnet Copthall Stadium in the heart of north London that must be approved by the London Borough of Barnet. The move would also enable Saracens to leave Vicarage Road - their home for the last 13 years - following Watford Football Club's decision earlier this year to activate a break clause in their ground share agreement.

Saracens are urgently seeking a home with the potential to ensure the club is sustainable in the long term and they believe that Barnet Copthall would provide this opportunity and bring Premiership rugby back into north London, heartland of the club's support since 1876.

In addition to becoming the latest Premiership Rugby ground, the stadium, currently home to Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers amongst other sports clubs, would become a premier athletics venue and potential training centre for the 2012 Olympic Games.

The emerging proposals would comprehensively refurbish the existing main building to the west of the site and create a new permanent stand to the east which would be used by spectators of athletics meetings and rugby matches. Demountable stands would be in place during the winter season to facilitate up to 16 Saracens fixtures.

"There is a unique opportunity to create a fabulous stadium," said chairman Nigel Wray. "Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers would thrive, Saracens would use the artificial turf pitch around 16 times per year, and the rest of the time - up to 350 days per year - the field could be used by schools, local clubs and the wider community.

"It goes without saying we will consult widely and extensively with the local community and stakeholders to establish a proper dialogue and ensure we create an asset that meets all the requirements of local residents and sports clubs. In the process, we will create a home for Saracens, an ambitious club playing entertaining rugby in a superb stadium, an institution which will make the people of Barnet and all North London can feel proud for many years to come."

Wray also defended the ground-breaking decision to employ an artificial playing surface and assured critics that it would comply with regulations.

"Artificial turf may well be the future of rugby," said Wray. "It has been approved by the IRB and the RFU, and all the latest evidence suggests it will enable a faster, safer and more entertaining game. Artificial turf technology has improved out of all recognition and concerns about burns and injuries are very much in the past.

"We are announcing our intentions today and have already entered into open discussions, sharing information and research with our colleagues in the Aviva Premiership."

Current landlords Watford FC issued a break clause in their agreement with Saracens - currently worth £489,000 a year in rent to the Championship club - in May which means the Premiership side must leave Vicarage Road at the end of this season unless a new deal is agreed.

The 150-acre Copthall Stadium site is owned by the Barnett Council and negotiations between club and council officials have reportedly been on-going for several months. Saracens are keen to build an 8,000-10,000 all-seater stadium although a previous application by Barnet FC to redevelop the ground was blocked by local residents.

Big-spending Saracens had been linked with a host of other potential new grounds including the new Olympic Stadium and Wembley Stadium where they have successfully staged several fixtures of the last two seasons. However, it appears that they have opted for a move to the previous home of the London Crusaders rugby league side.