THE first phase of the new £9 million York Sport Village is to open next month.

An eight-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, capable of staging major competitions, will form the centrepiece of the development at the University of York’s new Heslington East campus.

Plans are now being finalised for the second wave of work at the site.

The pool has been funded by the university and City of York Council, which has contributed £3 million of public money towards the scheme, and the sporting hub will also include a learner pool, a 120-station fitness suite and three studios for dance, spinning and aerobics classes.

A full-size 3G astroturf pitch and three other five-a-side pitches will also be available, as well as a sauna, steam rooms and a café.

The next stage of the development, due to start next year, will boast an “athletics park”, including a new home for City of York Athletics Club once it moves from its current Huntington Stadium base, and an outdoor one-kilometre road cycling circuit. Elizabeth Heaps, the university’s pro vice-chancellor for estates and strategic projects, said: “York Sport Village will be a magnificent sporting asset for everybody in the city.

“It reflects our commitment to contribute to the health and well-being of people throughout York, as well as enhancing our students’ experience. York Sport Village will add a new dimension to our already outstanding sports and recreational facilities for students, staff and the community.”

York Sport Village will be open to members and non-members alike and is expected to create about 40 new jobs. Open days, allowing tours around the facilities, are due to start soon, and online “virtual tours” are already available.

It will be operated by York Sports Village LLP, a “community venture” funded by the university, which has put in £5 million, the council and Sport England, whose contribution is £1 million.

The organisation said the pricing policy was designed to be “competitive” and allow people of “all levels of ability” to use the facilities.

The current pre-opening offer for the Sport Village is £23.95 per month for students and £39.95 per month for others, with concessions available at £36 a month and those taking out annual membership getting two months free.

More information about prices and how to join, as well as the virtual tours, can be found at york-sport.com