A MULTI-million pound transformation of a sports and community centre should be completed this summer.

A £2m injection from the Government's New Deal for Communities and European funding will mean a new full- size sports hall with changing rooms and showers, conference and information technmology (IT) suites for Hartlepool's Belle Vue Community Sport and Youth Centre.

Other features will include a creche and soft play area, fitness facilities, a one-stop-shop advice centre, children's youth club and sports hall, and a new reception area.

The revamp is part of a £54m regeneration scheme for an area covering 10,000 residents and stretching from Hart Lane to Belle Vue, with the money phased over ten years.

Centre manager Bob Farrow said: "Indeed, there is a great deal to look forward to with the new community facilities, such as the conference and IT suites and advice centre.

"The work is progressing very well and all the new facilities will be open for the summer.

"The extension will certainly enable the centre to provide a more varied sport and recreation programme and this is a very exciting time for everyone associated with it. We will also be providing new educational opportunities and an advice service."