Image: Aquatic facilities are most 'in demand'

New research from AECOM has found that the majority (88 per cent) of Brits believe major sporting facilities deliver significant lifestyle changes and economic benefits across the UK.

YouGov carried out the study as part of AECOM's new Sports Report, which found that 54 per cent of city residents agreed more sports facilities were needed in their locations.

Two-thirds (67 per cent) of participants admitted they would use nearby facilities if available, while 69 per cent said sporting infrastructure developments encourage healthier living.

Meanwhile, the Sports Report has revealed that aquatics and water sports facilities are most in demand - 40 per cent of participants agreeing that more of such venues were needed.

Bristol was found to be the sportiest city in the UK, with 53 per cent of residents questioned believing themselves to be sporty on a scale of 1-10. Belfast was least sportiest.

Bill Hanway, executive director of AECOM's sports division, said: "Our findings show that Britons, seem keen for more opportunities to get involved in sport and recognise the fantastic benefits it can bring to a community.

"Our own work certainly endorses this claim, and though our experience working on the events and facilities for the 2012 games and other projects across the globe, we have seen the direct socio-economic benefits that sporting assets bring to a city."

Click here for more information about AECOM's work within the international sports sector.

Image: Sergey Peterman/shutterstock.com