Work has started on a new £3m sports centre in the St Paul's area of Bristol. As well as providing much-needed sports facilities, it is hoped the centre will help to regenerate local communities.

Cabot Community Sports Centre, which is scheduled to open next March, will include a four-court sports hall, a health and fitness suite, two multi-purpose exercise rooms, and three outdoor multi-use courts.

The centre will be the focus for a special youth sports development programme, which is part of Bristol City Council's Junior Sport Bristol scheme. Personal fitness programmes will also be developed as part of a GP referral scheme, and community fitness programmes will be established, including netball, badminton and martial arts.

Bristol's executive councillor for environment, transport and leisure, Helen Holland says this project will bring a real and lasting benefit to the people of St Paul's: The project is an essential part of the city council's goal to regenerate the area as there is a lot of good research which suggests that sport can play an important role in regenerating local communities,' she said.

Cabot Community Centre is being funded by a £1.8m grant from the Sport England Lottery Fund plus contributions from Bristol City Council and the government's Single Regeneration Budget.