A new equine indoor arena is to open at Bishop Burton College near Beverley, Yorkshire at the end of October.

The arena is the College's largest single building, and will be used for equestrian competitions and events, as well as lectures and practical demonstrations. Part of the College's £25m redevelopment project, the arena will be able to cater for 500 spectators and includes five classrooms, viewing galleries for the demonstration area, and a therapy room. A lounge, hospitality areas and conference facilities are also housed in the building.

College principal, Jeanette Dawson, said: "Earlier in the year we received confirmation that we had been approved as an equestrian training base for the 2012 Olympics and that the College now appears in the London 2012 Pre-Games Training Camp guide. "The indoor arena was at the core of that bid and will provide equestrian teams, clients and students with some of the best facilities in the country."

The arena will be opened on 27 October by the Princess Royal, who is also a former Olympic equestrian competitor.