Sir Robert McAlpine started construction work on the Atkins-designed Sport Central venue in 2008, with Gardiner and Theobald acting as project manager on behalf of the institution.

Facilities include a 3,000-capacity main arena to stage sporting events and to provide a home court for the Newcastle Eagles basketball team.

Elsewhere, dedicated laboratory space for physiology, biomechanics, gait and nutrition and a performance analysis suite have been created, along with a 60m, four-lane sprint track.

A climbing wall and a swimming pool with variable floating floor are also among facilities at Sport Central, which will be used by the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Wellbeing Research.

NU vice-chancellor and chief executive Professor Andrew Wathey said: "As well as enhancing the health and wellbeing of students and staff, it provides high-quality facilities for the University's research in physiology and sport science.

"Sport Central is a beacon for this University's contribution to the region - a state of the art facility and centre of sporting excellence providing us greater opportunities to build relationships with regional, national and international businesses."

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