The Cardiff International White Water (CIWW) centre will open to the public in April.

Cardiff Council leader Rodney Berman confirmed the opening date during a test run of the £13.3m centre's turbine pumps on 11 January.

The new centre, based adjacent to Cardiff International Pool at Cardiff International Sports Village, will provide the UK with its first olympic-standard pumped water canoe slalom course, offering canoeing and white water rafting facilities ranging from starter to recreational through to full international and Olympic competition use.

Designed by French company Hydrostadium, the detailed design and construction was carried out by Dean & Dyball Civil Engineering.

Council leader Berman said: "With a diverse set of river systems, the CIWW is a landmark project for Cardiff Bay, along with Cardiff International Pool and is set to further enhance the city's reputation as a centre of sporting excellence and a truly European destination for all visitors."