MAYOR of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, opened a new �4.5 million multi-sport centre at Newham Leisure Centre, Plaistow recently. The centre, in Prince Regent Lane, features a fully equipped athletics training hall with a 60 -metre indoor track, basketball cour

MAYOR of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, opened a new �4.5 million multi-sport centre at Newham Leisure Centre, Plaistow recently.

The centre, in Prince Regent Lane, features a fully equipped athletics training hall with a 60 -metre indoor track, basketball courts, badminton courts, six cricket nets, a school fitness centre and outdoor mini-soccer pitches.

The centre will provide a huge boost to the sports and leisure facilities available to those living and working in Newham.

Sir Robin said: "One of our priorities is to make people healthier and increase opportunities for residents to get involved in sport.

"Newham does more than any other local authority to provide opportunities for people to get together, have fun and be active.

"As London continues to work towards the 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games, these facilities will help the area stride even further forward - raising standards and aspirations amongst people of all ages and backgrounds.

"Our priority is to enable all children and young people to achieve their full potential and this is just one more way in which we can demonstrate the positive effect the Olympic legacy will have on our borough."

The project represents a major investment by the council in association with Sport England, The London Marathon Trust, Big Lottery Funding and Cumberland School.