Work is about to begin on a £1.7m sports and community development in Leverhulme Park, Bolton.

Funded jointly by East Bolton Regeneration and Sport England – which contributed £933,022 through the Active England programme – the centre will be managed by Bolton Council.

The project will include the construction of an indoor athletics track plus a variety of other sports facilities as well as local healthcare and community services in order to better highlight the link between physical activity and good health.

Existing facilities such as a children's play area and a car park will also be refurbished. Work is due to be completed by July 2005.

Leader of Bolton Council, councillor Barbara Ronson, said: "This is the biggest sports and community project in the borough since the opening of Bolton Arena and it's a really exciting one. It promises to provide a whole range of much needed new facilities for this part of Bolton."

Stewart Kellett, the regional director for Sport England North West, added: "We are delighted to be able to provide substantial funding for this project and I hope the local comunity takes full advantage of what will be on offer." Details: www.bolton.gov.uk