A new £6m Centre of Sporting Excellence for football and rugby union is to be built on the site of a former hospital in Ystrad Mynach under plans unveiled by the local authority.

Ownership of the site will be transferred to Caerphilly County Borough Council (CCBC) in mid-February, following the November 2011 opening of the new Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr.

Two 3G surfaces capable of accommodating both football and rugby union are proposed as part of the scheme, along with supporting infrastructure such as lighting and terracing.

The council hopes the venue will be able to host matches at the 'highest level', while offering performance training and sports science facilities. It will also be open to the community.

The Welsh Rugby Union and Football Association of Wales have backed the scheme, with Newport Gwent Dragons rugby team and Cardiff City Football Club also in support.

CCBC leader Allan Pritchard said: "This is a unique opportunity for the council to provide a Centre for Sporting Excellence and community development that could be among the best in the country.

"In determining the use of the former Ystrad Mynach hospital site following the opening Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr, the council has put forward this exciting proposal to potential partners and they have been eager to see this mature into fully fledged business case."

Details: www.caerphilly.gov.uk

Image: Caerphilly County Borough Council