Health managers at NHS Hull have approved multi-million pound proposals for the development of a combined sports and healthy lifestyle complex, which will also incorporate training facilities for Hull Football Club (HFC).

The board of NHS Hull has agreed to invest £1m in the scheme, which will create a hub for the organisation to offer a number of public health programmes for the local community, as well as bringing the rugby league club's facilities back into the city. HFC will contribute £1.9m towards the project, which is hoped will allow the club and NHS Hull to establish a partnership with local schools to raise awareness of public health issues, as well as encouraging career aspirations within the health and sports sectors.

James Rule, HFC chief executive, said: "This is one of the most exciting off-field developments in the history of Hull FC. It epitomises the benefits and potential of true partnership working and confirms Hull FC's position as a community focused club. "This facility will become integral to the development of Hull FC players from the grassroots and junior grades through to the elite first team professionals. It will also enable the staff of our charitable foundation to take our community programmes to the next level."