The new £24m National BMX Centre - comprising the UK's first indoor permanent BMX track - has opened its doors to the public at the National Cycling Centre, Manchester.

Ellis Williams Architects are behind the design of the new 110,000sq ft (10,219sq m) venue, which was delivered by Sir Robert McAlpine and is to be run by The Velodrome Trust. Facilities include permanent seating capacity for 2,000 spectators, with potential for a further 1,000 temporary seats for large events.

Designed for elite and community use, the new National BMX Centre also features two start ramps - 5m and 8m high respectively - and 22 transponder timing loops. AFL Architects coordinated delivery of the centre's track. The cost of the building itself was £19m, with an additional £5m spent on public realm work surrounding the complex - including a footbridge to the new Metrolink stop.

Manchester City Council (MCC); Sport England; and the European Regional Development Agency through the Northwest Development Agency funded the project. MCC executive member for culture and leisure Mike Amesbury said: "The world's finest will train here, and young people from East Manchester will get the opportunity to use the facilities and aim for the highest awards in the sport of BMX."

Sport England chair Richard Lewis added: "With National Lottery investment, the arena will be both a world-class venue for elite athletes and a sustainable local sporting facility for cyclists of all ages and abilities."