Building work has started on the new sports centre at Oakfield.

The planned project has been in the works since 2021 and is hoped to become the new home for the sports that used to call Fort Regent their home. 

These include badminton, basketball, indoor cricket, netball and trampolining. 

It is also for the intended use of schools in the area - including Hautlieu and Highlands College. 

Plans include building a three court facility, which will include heating and air conditioning. 

Work is estimated to take 48 weeks and be up and running by next summer, on 25 July 2025. 

Plans for Oakfield sports centre, credit: Morris Architects

Planning permission was given to create the new sports hub in February 2022, after a failed attempt to get it approved in 2021. 

READ MORE: Permission given for Oakfield Sports Centre

At the time, the project was estimated to cost £3 million and be finished by May 2023. 

Shovels are only just getting on the ground now though, with the new cost estimated to be £8.4 million. 

Plans for Oakfield sports centre, credit: Morris Architects

Minister for Infrastructure Andy Jehan says this project has been a long time coming: 

"It's been in the planning for a long time, the previous government were looking at this project and we have the money for this now - up to £8.4 million in investment.

"It should take 48 weeks to complete, so next summer the three courts here will be opened.

"Things do take a lot longer in government, it is not as simple as it seems on the outside, being on the inside.

"We've made every effort to get this work started as soon as practically possible, we've had to make sure we've got the building bylaws and everything in place.

"I had thought we would start in March but we had to dot a few more I's and cross a few more T's than expected 

"So here we are, work is going to start in earnest now and within 12 months we'll have sport taking place in this very area."

Andy Jehan, standing where the new sports centre will be

The new hall is being built next to the existing 3G football pitch and sports centre. 

We're told there are plans to turn the existing sport hub into a dedicated gymnastics facility, which will be ready by 4 November 2025. 

Gymnasts in the island are currently training at Fort Regent and are without a permanent home to practice in.

READ MORE: Special Gymnastics Club is back in action

All sports clubs were supposed to be moved out of the building by September 2023. 

Fort Regent

The latest plans for sport's former home, Fort Regent, are said to include a skate park and children's play area. 

The Infrastructure Minister said in May that the project won't be achieved in this government's term, and would require £80 million in investment.