Clutha-Southland MP Bill English toured the Cross Recreation Centre yesterday and was impressed with the complex's size.
"It's a very large facility ... it's just big. These kinds of facilities get people a lot more active. It's been a big cost but will really benefit the community."
The Cross Recreation Centre will be officially opened on Saturday, November 5 at 6pm and will feature a variety of sports, and how the centre will cater for them.
Built at the site of the former Dreaver Courts in Glasgow St, the multi-sport facility features five courts, a fitness gym, storage and office spaces, reception, a lift, upstairs kitchen, lounge and meeting rooms.
The high quality Dynapoint flooring is nearly finished, with sport markings painted on the courts and only the matte finish to be applied. The multi-layered flooring was laid over a base of concrete with a recycled rubber base and finished in layers of polyurethane.
The community raised about $400,000 to pay for the state-of-the-art flooring, and many sports clubs are looking forward to playing on it.
Earlier this month, Penny Batchelor was named the centre's first manager.
Mrs Batchelor, who is working as Clutha district sports activator and the Catlins Area School sports co-ordinator, officially begins her new role from Monday.
Clutha Recreation Centre Inc announced in April that the complex was named the Cross Recreation Centre to acknowledge a large donation by Balclutha businessman Blair Cross.
