Ystrad Mynach is set to get a new hub of sporting excellence in South Wales with the development of a £6m sporting facility, which will open in early 2014.

The project will feature two full size 3G rugby and football pitches laid to national and international standards. These will be supported by an Integrated Sport and Community Complex comprising changing rooms, training gym, treatment rooms, offices and meeting rooms, and conference and community facilities.

Clearing works have been completed, paving the way for construction to begin with immediate effect.

Located on the site of the former Ystrad Fawr hospital, the facility will be utilised by Cardiff City and WRU regional academy and age grade teams. Newport Gwent Dragons have also confirmed that they wish to use the facility as a training base.

The facility will also be available for use by local football and rugby clubs across the county borough.

The new hub is part of a wider £52.3m capital investment programme by Caerphilly County Borough Council, which subject to cabinet and council approval, will also include a new £10.5m leisure centre in Caerphilly to replace the current outdated facility. It would cater for a range of indoor sports including swimming, an all weather playing surface, a running track and tennis courts or multi-use games area.

Councillor David Poole said: “This flagship sporting development, together with the proposals for the new leisure centre, will support our efforts not only to encourage greater sporting participation across all ages within our county borough, but also help us to actively promote the advantages of an active and healthy lifestyle to all who live in our county borough – all in facilities truly fit for the 21st Century.”