Construction work has been completed on the £29m Sports Park project in Colchester.

The new facility is due to open on 26 April 2021 – dependent on COVID-19 restrictions – and will be operated by Leisure World Colchester.

The vast, 76-acre sports and leisure facility features an innovative, fully floodlit one-mile closed-cycle track and a learn to ride facility, alongside two 3G sports pitches and seven natural grass rugby pitches.

Forming a part of Colchester's Northern Gateway development, the facility also houses a large fitness suite, equipped by Technogym, exercise and dance studios, an interactive indoor cycling studio, meeting rooms and a café.

There is also a five-court sports hall with facilities for a variety of sports including badminton, futsal and indoor cricket.

Owned and majority funded by Colchester Borough Council, the project has received "significant investment" from British Cycling, Sport England and the England and Wales Cricket Board.

The venue will become the new home of Colchester Rugby Football Club, while an archery range and clubhouse has been constructed to the south of the site which will become home to the Colchester and District Archery Club.

Councillor Mark Cory, leader of Colchester Borough Council, said: “The completion of this inspiring facility marks a huge milestone towards our vision to give all of our residents new and wide-ranging opportunities to play sport, be healthy and enjoy our outdoor spaces.

"Sports Park will be accessible for all, offering activities for all abilities and those with disabilities.

“My thanks to R G Carter for their expertise and commitment to deliver this project in what has been a challenging year.

"The result is an exceptional sports park that will enable people both locally and from across the wider region to get involved, get active and make the most of the remarkable facilities Colchester can offer. When things return to normal after COVID-19, this will be a facility Colchester can be proud of.”