A £7m gymnastics and martial arts training facility is set to be built next to Birmingham Alexander Stadium.

Facilities will include floor space for rhythmic and artistic gymnastics, pommel horses, ring frames, asymmetric bars, parallel bars and trampolines, whereas the martial arts facilities will provide a dojo and two further combat areas for judo, aikido, wrestling, karate, kendo, ju-jitsu and aerobics practice.

The 450-spectator centre – built to international and Olympic standards – will incorporate a roof made from planted materials for additional ecological insulation.

Cllr Ray Hassall, cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture at Birmingham City Council, said: “This will be a world-class sports facility for residents of Birmingham. It will have the advantage of being built to Olympic training standards, so that the city will be at an advantage when it comes to marketing itself as a base for teams in 2012.”

The venue will be built by Thomas Vale Construction an is scheduled to open in September 2008.