THE new £2.3million community athletics facility in Blackburn’s Witton Park has been unveiled.

The indoor arena, which opens on April 28, will be the new home for Blackburn Harriers Athletics Club.

It includes a 60-metre six-lane warm-up and training track, improved changing facilities, covered outdoor spectator terracing, and a club room.

It means the Harriers will be able to use the park as a year-round training facility.

Coun Damian Talbot, the borough council’s leisure executive member, said: “I am very excited about the opening of the new athletics arena.

“It will transform athletics in the borough, not just for the hundreds of young people who already take part in the sport, but we hope it will encourage even more to take it up.

“Blackburn Harriers has worked closely with the council to ensure that the investment creates a first-class venue that will benefit our residents for years to come.”

As part of the council’s Join One Join All membership, people will be able to use the Witton Park Arena, as well as the borough’s six leisure centres and four community-use schools.

Witton Park Arena will also include a 45-station fitness suite, with views across the park, associated changing facilities, and a fitness studio for spinning and exercise classes.

The group fitness programme will make use of the park setting, introducing new outdoor fitness sessions as part of more than 29 classes per week.

The arena will also expand the offer to younger people, with regular junior gym sessions during the week.

Opening times will be from 6.30am to 9pm from Monday to Friday, and 9am to 4pm on Saturday and Sun- day.

Meadowhead ward councillor Ashley Whalley added: “This will be a great facility for Blackburn and is long overdue. Hopefully, it will contribute to the future production of world-class athletes.”