Coe opens new Gateshead International Stadium indoor centre

Gateshead International Stadium’s new indoor training facility has been opened by the chair of LOCOG, Sebastian Coe.

The two-storey development includes an indoor athletics training centre, with six sprint lanes and jumps and throwing facilities, with a fitness suite.

Outdoor facilities have been added, including a floodlit athletics throwing area and outdoor floodlit artificial pitches.

Ancillary facilities include space for sports science and medicine, consulting rooms, classrooms and staff support areas.

The £15m centre will be a regional hub for the English Institute of Sport (EIS) and has been funded a number of partners, including One NorthEast, Sport England, Government Office North East, Northern Rock Foundation and Gateshead Council, which will manage the facility.

EIS regional manager Kevin Thompson said: “Traditionally, athletes have had to migrate away from the north east because the support wasn’t available, but that’s really starting to change.”

The facility will also house Gateshead College’s Academy of Sport, which provides full-time courses for 300 students.

David Cheetham, principal of the college said: “This is a flagship for sports education and coaching in the north east.” Details: www.gateshead.gov.uk