PARTIALLY sighted cricketing legend Luke Sugg officially opened St Bede’s Catholic Middle School's new 1.3 million sports facility in Holloway Lane.

Former student Mr Sugg, named England Disability Cricketer of the Year 2015, was joined by Worcestershire County Council chairman Tony Miller to mark the occasion.

Cllr Miller gave a speech to staff, visitors and students and Mr Sugg cut a ceremonial ribbon on a commemorative plaque.

Speaking on the opening, Mr Sugg said he was "nervous" but that it was an "absolute honour".

The new sports hall will become a home for five-a-side football, hockey, volleyball, badminton, drama and table tennis.

Work on the sports facility,which saw the erection of the building with three courts, started in December 2015.

"The children are really at the heart of what we do here," said principal Lloyd Roberts.

"We really want to push the excellence here at St Bede's in both sport and drama and for anyone from outside the school who can benefit from the facilities."

He added that the school would be applying for a change in planning permission so that the building could be used by the community- not just pupils at the school. It is hoped this will be in place by Christmas.

Funding for the hall came from Worcestershire County Council, through the sale of site which had housed Dingleside Middle School, in Woodrow, until its demolition in 2008.

Following the closure, Redditch schools were asked by the council to identify priorities of need, the responses were considered and then with the approval of the Education Funding Agency, the money was allocated to St Bede's Catholic Middle School for the hall and Woodfield Academy for an all weather pitch.

The scheme also saw the improvement of drainage and quality of St Bede's playing field.

  • WATCH a time lapse video of the sports hall being built.