A NEW £6 million sports centre has opened its doors at The Grange School in Hartford.

The Grange Sports Centre will provide students with outstanding facilities for their sporting education, as well as providing the community with a new venue to use.

After years of planning, and with an aim of doing justice to the young athletes at the school – many of whom represent their countries – the centre is now open to students.

It is hoped the facilities will help more students follow in the footsteps of recent Grange alumni Tom and Emily Ford – Team GB rowers – and Jensen Weir, Wigan and England youth international.

Grange headteacher Debbie Leonard said: “This is a landmark moment in the school’s history.

“Sport plays an important part of Grange life through our curriculum and the enrichment opportunities we provide.

“The feedback we’ve had from students and current parents already has been extremely positive.

“At The Grange we are always developing and improving the provision for our young people who will only benefit from having such impressive facilities to use.”

The jewel in the crown of the new centre is a large multi-purpose sports hall, which can be used as a premier netball court, four cricket lanes, four badminton courts, indoor hockey and football pitches as well as a full size basketball court.

An impressive climbing wall overhangs, with a viewing gallery on the second floor.

There is also a gym featuring the latest equipment including multi-gym systems, strength machines, exercise bikes, rowing trainers and treadmills.

A spacious dance studio can accommodate for all types of dance, from ballet to street, and will be able to hold exercise classes.

The new hub complements The Grange’s existing outdoor facilities – a floodlit Multi Use Games Area and all-weather pitch, as well as a sports pavilion with full-size rugby and football pitches.

With four changing rooms and catering facilities, clubs, professional teams or those looking for a party space will also be able to hire the sports centre.

Students have started using the sports centre this term, and in September it will open to the wider community of Hartford, Northwich and the surrounding area outside of school time.

The Grange is an independent school catering for students aged between four and 18.