A new indoor multi-sports centre in Eltham complete with skatepark, running track, and climbing hall has moved another step closer to opening.

The construction of the building at Sutcliffe Park itself is complete, with seeds being scattered on the green roof of the sports centre to signify the final piece in place.

Indoors the building is currently empty, but plans to build extensive first-class sports and athletics facilities are already underway.

All the new facilities are specifically built with training future athletics champions in mind, including for people with disabilities.

These include a six lane 60 metre sprint track, provisions for long, high and triple jump, indoor throwing cage for discus, hammer and shot put, and weights training area for athletics participants.

Other facilities include an indoor skatepark, a climbing hall, and indoor and outdoor space for other sporting activities.

A café will be built too with an outdoor eating area, alongside a children’s play area.

Councillor Denise Scott-McDonald, said: “The Sutcliffe Park leisure centre will offer first rate facilities for local people, and we’re hoping that they go on to inspire some of our young people to be future Olympians, with both climbing and skateboarding having recently been added as Olympic sports.

“With no other indoor skate parks for miles – indeed, very few in the country - there are few high quality indoor tracks like this in the country, and I am delighted that we will be able to offer a very unique facility for residents and athletes from further afield to enjoy. I look forward to coming back again in a few months to see the centre complete.”

The new Sutcliffe Park sports centre is planned to open in January 2018.