Sports minister Richard Caborn was at Gateshead International Stadium on Friday (26 November) to mark the start of work on a new sports facility designed to support grassroots sport and education in the north east.

The £15m project will include sports facilities, a community-based sports centre and a range of education and training programmes in partnership with Gateshead College and the Learning and Skills Council.

It will be a permanent home to 300 students from the college’s sport and leisure department.

The project has been funded by One NorthEast through the Tyne Wear Partnership and its Single Regeneration Budget, Active England, Northern Rock Foundation and the Learning and Skills Council. The finished complex will feature an indoor athletics training centre; facilities for sports science, sports medicine, strength and conditioning activity, consulting rooms and staff support areas; a fitness room; outdoor floodlit athletics throws areas; three outdoor sports pitches and teaching and resource facilities for the college.

Councillor Mick Henry, leader of Gateshead Council, said: “Gateshead International Stadium already has an excellent reputation as an international sports venue, a regional facility and a popular local authority leisure facility and this development will help to support sport at every level, from the streets to the stadium.

“The facilities will contribute to the government's agenda to increase participation, improve health and combat social exclusion.

“At the grassroots level, they will create educational links and support the development of club and community sport, encouraging greater volunteer involvement. They will also help to attract new events that will enhance tourism opportunities in the region.”

Designed by Killingworth-based architects Faulkner Brown, work is expected to be completed by December 2005.