WHELAN Construction is helping to support the region’s next generation of boxing talent after starting work on a £1.2m training facility in Birtley.

The firm, which is based in Gosforth, Newcastle, is in the middle of replacing an existing boxing facility for Birtley Young People’s Club on Edward Road.

Whelan is expected to finish work on the facility in September. It is set to include two gyms, three boxing rings, two junior football pitches, changing facilities and several rooms for offices and classrooms. Whelan Construction’s commercial manager Lewis Dowie said: “We are involved in a huge array of building works across the region, but this project is particularly exciting for us.

“The design and layout of the building strikes a fine balance between the necessary community fundamentals and the aspirations of the club to host international boxing competitions and potential pre-Olympic training standard accommodation.”

Birtley Young People’s Club was recently awarded the 50th London 2012 inspire mark for its work delivering the liberty project to disadvantaged and marginalised groups.

Funding for the project was sourced from a number of areas, including Gateshead Council’s Get Building Fund, the Ward Councillors Budget, The Amateur Boxing Association of England, the 1989 Willan Charitable Trust, Gateshead Housing Company Community Foundation and the Football Foundation.

The main chunk of funding for the club came from Sport England in the form of an Iconic Facilities Fund of £573,000.