Las Vegas’ National Hockey League (NHL) franchise has broken ground on its new practice facility, which will also become a hub for recreational and youth hockey in the region.

The centre, which is being built in the Summerlin part of the city, will also be the headquarters for the newly-established team that will join the NHL in 2017/18.

Last month, an agreement was brokered between Black Knight Sports & Entertainment – the owner of the franchise – and real estate firm the Howard Hughes Corporation for a 20-year ground lease for the facility.

The two-rink facility will be built on a near-five acre piece of land in Summerlin, which is a masterplanned community developed by the Howard Hughes Corporation.

Summerlin attracts one million visitors per month to its large outdoor dining, retail and entertainment hub.

Bill Foley, the majority owner of the franchise, said the facility was going to be a “giant step in the development of expanded youth hockey and adult league programmes” in the area.

“The addition of our city’s first professional sports franchise is a great fit for downtown Summerlin and further strengthens Summerlin’s position as southern Neveda’s premier community,” added Kevin Orrock, president of Summerlin for the Howard Hughes Corporation.

Las Vegas’ hockey franchise will play home matches at the T-Mobile Arena. The 17,400-capacity venue opened earlier this year.