Balfour Beatty has started work to build the new £32 million Dundee Regional Performance Centre for Sport.

The new facility will be built at Caird Park and completion is scheduled for Autumn next year.

Features of the regional centre will include an indoor athletics centre with an 80m running straight providing all-weather training for athletes, as well as a 7-a-side grass football pitch. Sports facilities will include a full size indoor/artificial 3G football pitch and outdoor artificial/3G ‘rugby sized' pitch suitable for both rugby and football, which are designed to meet FIFA compliance standards for football.

The centre also includes eight-court multi sports hub building with spectator seating, a strength and conditioning suite and a state of the art sport science suite.

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In addition, a new £5m energy centre which allows a district heating capability will also be built to power the development.

As part of the project, Caird Park's existing athletics track is to be resurfaced and a covered spectator area added. The recently resurfaced velodrome will also have a new area of hardstanding provided for competition, with upgraded floodlighting.

Speaking after marking the start of construction work on Tuesday, Cllr John Alexander said: "This ambitious project will provide superb sporting facilities alongside an energy centre that will make a significant contribution to our vision of Dundee as a sustainable city.

"The regional performance centre will bring huge benefits for the city and our people and reflects our drive to make Dundee a better place for all.

"It is designed to support athletes in their development and will help improve the health of our population through participation in sport."

Stephen Scott, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty's Central Scotland Delivery Unit, said: "We are delighted to join with Dundee City Council to celebrate the start of works to the new Regional Performance Centre for Sport.

"Throughout the project lifecycle, we will work closely with local suppliers and subcontractors to provide real sustainable benefit to the local economy and ultimately provide the community with a first-class sports facility."

(LM)