RICHMONDSHIRE District Council has formally handed over its contribution to a £20 million state-of-the-art sports and leisure centre.

The new development at Catterick Garrison will include a three-swimming pools complex, a military rehabilitation centre, a six-court sports hall, a fitness centre, an aerobics/fitness studio and a new library. It is due to open its doors this summer.

The centre is the result of a major investment from the Ministry of Defence, Richmondshire District Council and North Yorkshire County Council.

All three organisations have worked together to make the project a success, and as part of this Richmondshire District Council has contributed £450,000 to the sports hall element of the Centre, securing full day and evening access for all members of the community.

It is hoped the new centre will encourage people across Richmondshire to lead a healthier lifestyle, and go some way towards meeting the recognised need for more indoor sports provision throughout the district.

A spokesman for Richmondshire District Council said: “Our major investment in this development has ensured everyone can benefit from these top-quality facilities. By working together with the Ministry of Defence and the County Council we have created a fantastic community resource that we simply could not have achieved on our own.”