Construction work has begun on a £13m community sports hub in Barking, East London.

The new facility will replace the existing Parsloes Park Sports Pavilion and will house a gym, a fitness studio, changing and shower facilities, food and beverage outlets plus several multi-purpose meeting and education rooms.

Outdoor facilities include 16 new, natural grass pitches and three full-size 3G pitches.

The hub will be designed and built by Alliance Leisure, through the UK Leisure Framework.

The project is being funded by a £6.2m grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation, supported by a £6.1m investment from Barking and Dagenham Council.

Further contributions have also been donated by London Marathon Charitable Trust and Greater London Authority.

Greg Walker, Alliance Leisure's business development manager, said: “Once complete, this purpose-built sports facility will become an integral part of community life, creating a permanent home for May and Baker FC whilst also providing a first-class facility for a range of another sports club.

“The inclusion of the Pavilion not only supports players but also provides a venue for schools and grassroot sports clubs to hold meetings and education sessions, while the gym and studio, along with the food and beverage facilities, present income generating opportunities to drive commercial sustainability."

Once open, the Sports Hub will be operated by charity, Leisure United, which will invest all surplus income into grassroots football in the borough creating a sustainable future for the sport.

Alliance Leisure is the appointed delivery partner for the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure.