Work has begun on Canterbury Christ Church University’s £4m Christ Church Sports Centre, on track for completion in April 2009.

The centre will house two full-sized basketball/netball courts, a fitness suite with cardiovascular and weights equipment, changing facilities, a first aid room and an aerobics room offering exercise and dance classes.

Pellikaan Construction is overseeing development of the facility, which will be used by students of the university and nearby Barton Grammar School. The middle of the sports hall will feature a soundproof partition so that it can be used by both sets of students at once.

“The sports centre will offer a good quality venue for sports, exercise, matches and events along with a range of learning and recreational opportunities,” said Sue Piotrowski, the university’s pro-vice chancellor.