ISG has started work on the £11m Belle Vue Sports Village development in Manchester, which will bring two international standard facilities to the north west of England, bolstering the city’s international sporting credentials.

The combination of the National Speedway Stadium and National Basketball Performance Centre, as well as community leisure facilities, is set to transform this strategic area of Manchester.

Leisure facilities for both community and elite users will be provided, including refurbishment of the existing leisure centre on site and the provision of two new floodlit 3G artificial grass sports pitches.

With a 2,000-seat match court, the basketball centre will be the hub for England Basketball’s national teams and administration.

The 6,000 capacity stadium, has been designed by architects AFL, and will be home to the Belle Vue Aces team. There will be a first floor hospitality area, function rooms, bar area and VIP suite.

Within the track, a 3G artificial pitch will be for the use of a local school and community. A larger pitch will also be constructed at the Sports Village for the wider community and Rugby League.

“East Mancheter is already an internationally recognised destination for sport and leisure and Belle Vue Sports Village will only add to that excellent reputation,” said Manchester City Council councillor Jeff Smith. “It will also stand out on its own and help to transform this part of the city.”