The new £1.4m Bishop's Field Sports Centre in Creggan, Derry, Northern Ireland, has opened.

The Big Lottery funded indoor sports facility boasts a sports hall featuring four badminton courts, separate changing facilities for indoor and outdoor sports, a reception area, an office and storage space.

The project was developed in partnership with Derry City Council, Old Library Trust, Creggan Neighbourhood Partnership and St. Cecilia's College.

Breidge Gadd, NI chair of the Big Lottery Fund, said: "I am sure that the local community will enjoy the benefits of this facility. The grant shows how investing money in sports facilities available both to schools and local people can transform the quality of life in communities.

"The PE and Sport programme is already having a major impact on tackling disadvantage and bringing positive changes to people of all ages across Northern Ireland. The new sports centre is the next step in bringing greater access to physical activity to many more people."

Opening the new centre, Mayor Paul Fleming, added: "The provision of this community facility is another example of a successful partnership between statutory agencies and community organisations.

"Derry City Council is delighted to be associated with the project and believes that the sports hall complements the recently completed 3G sports pitch at Bishop's Field, which was opened over the summer."

It is anticipated that around 4,000 local pupils and 5,000 people from the area will use the new venue throughout the year.