THE first phase of the £60 million redevelopment of Oxford University’s Iffley Road sports facilities could be completed by July 2016.

The university hopes to build an £8 million indoor sports centre next to the current gym and pool near the running track where Sir Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile in 1954.

The centre would have a four-badminton-court sports hall, activity room and extra changing rooms.

As well as being used by 3,200 staff and students at the university, 600 members of the community use the gym and pool.

Head of sport at Oxford University Jon Roycroft said: “We’ve been getting more interest from local people who want to use the pool, especially since Temple Cowley Pools has been closed.

“We welcome people from the community who want to use the pool.

“By doubling the sports hall floor space available, we will be able to offer more opportunities for community clubs to book team session space.

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“In the dedicated multi-purpose room and all fitness classes, which will exceed 20 a week, we will be completely open to the Oxford community.

“The response we’ve got from the local community about the redevelopment has been mostly positive.”

But Oxford University still has to raise £2 million to complete the first phase.

Spokesman for the university Matt Pickles said: “Thanks to the generosity of a growing number of alumni we are getting close to our target but still have some way to go.”

Yesterday it was announced the sports centre would be named after former British Olympian and Oxford rower Dr Acer Nethercott.

The Beijing Olympics silver medallist and Oxford graduate coxed the university to victory in the boat race three times but died in 2012 aged 35 from a brain tumour.

Mr Roycroft added: “Acer embodied all facets of the scholar-athlete. Not only did he get a first degree but was also committed to the university rowing team.”

Dr Nethercott’s mother Glynis Evans said: “It is a source of comfort, as well as one of huge pride, to continue to hear of Acer’s lasting impact and I am deeply touched the new sports centre will be named after him.”

After completing the first phase of redevelopment, The university also hopes to build an indoor tennis centre, rugby and rowing training centre, grandstand and indoor cricket academy as well as an eight-badminton-court sports hall with squash facilities.

Mr Pickles added: “These redevelopment works happen over decades as we need to raise the £60 million, but the ambition is there.”

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