Extreme Connexions, the major new sports and arts venue for Hemel Hempstead, is starting to take shape with the completion of the steel structure.

The Sportspace (the operating name of Dacorum Sports Trust) development, due to open in July 2011, will include a 60 x 15metre climbing wall, skate park, indoor caving and a challenging high ropes course. The facility will also feature a music recording studio, a band rehearsal room and an internet cafe as well as a teen focused health centre with counselling rooms.

Councillor Colette Wyatt-Lowe, Portfolio Holder for Residents and Regulatory Services, said "Its really exciting to see this brilliant project developing so quickly. This unique facility will create a safe place for the young people of Dacorum to get advice and take part in a host of activities all under one roof."

The facility is being built by GB Building solutions and Sportspace are working closely with Dacorum Borough Council and the Youth Connexions service.

Speaking when work began at the end of 2010, Dave Cove, chief executive of Dacorum Sports Trust said: "Its going to be a brilliant facility and we are very excited to see it coming together. We are delighted that the Governments 'Myplace' programme has supported this unique project to create safe places for young people to go."