Construction work has begun on a £12m dual-use sports and social centre – the flagship project of the University of Sunderland's £75m redevelopment of its former city centre Chester Road Campus.

Called CitySpace, the centre is designed by architects FaulknerBrowns, and will be a pre-paralympic training site for the 2012 London Games. It will be the official training base for Paralympic sailing, boccia, table tennis, goalball and wheelchair basketball, fencing and rugby.

When complete, the centre will boast a six-court sports hall, a 70-station fitness suite and a sports massage and injury clinic. There will also be an indoor climbing wall and a multi-use exercise room as well as space for retail, social and catering units.

A spokesperson for the university, said: "CitySpace will become the focal point of University sport and will help increase Sunderland's ability to provide expertise to the university's own athletes."

The centre will link with the university's sporting partners including Sunderland Football Club, Sunderland Marina, The Puma Centre, Sunderland Aquatics Centre, Silkworth Sports Complex and developments at the Stadium of Light Village.

Plans for the new City Campus also include a 200-bed hotel and conference facilities, new student accommodation and a university square along with extensive landscaping. There will also plans to improve facilities at the costal Sir Tom Cowie Campus.

Councillor Paul Watson of Sunderland City Council, said: "These are major developments at the landmark site. The University of Sunderland has always played an important role in the city and this new campus will enhance the student experience, be a boost for the wider community of Sunderland and the continuing regeneration of our city."

The sports facility is expected to open in August 2009.