Work has begun on an extreme sports and arts venue in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, that will feature an indoor skate park, climbing wall, indoor caving and high ropes course.

The Sportspace, Dacorum Sports Trust development which is working under an operating name of Extreme Connexions is due to open In July 2011.

The development, which is being built on disused land will also feature a music recording studio, a band rehearsal room and an internet cafe as well a teen focused health centre with counselling rooms.

The centre, which has secured £5m worth of government funding, will also include a 60m x 15m indoor climbing area - supplied by UK-based Entre-Prises - and one of the largest indoor, combined timber and concrete skate parks in the UK.

GB Building Solutions has been appointed to manage the build and will work closely with Sportspace and the Youth Connexions Service to create work experience and learning opportunities for Young People throughout the build process.

Dave Cove, chief executive of Dacorum Sports Trust said: "Its going to be a brilliant facility and we are very excited to see it coming together. We are delighted that the Governments 'Myplace' programme has supported this unique project to create safe places for young people to go."