Arena gets royal visit

Reporter: Aisha Iqbal
Date online: 09/11/2009

The Middleton Arena is getting ready to welcome Her Royal Highness, The Countess of Wessex who will be officially opening the arena next month.

The Countess, who is married to the Queen’s youngest son, Prince Edward, will unveil a commemorative plaque at the £15 million sports and entertainment centre on Tuesday 1 December.

The Countess will enjoy a tour of the arena, including fitness centre, pools, sports facilities and auditorium before unveiling the plaque in the main foyer.

During the visit the Countess will find out about the many activities available and meet guests including Open Water World Champion and silver Olympic medallist, Keri-Anne Payne, the 22 year old local swimming sensation who represented Great Britain in last year’s Olympics.

Councillor Peter Williams, Chair of Middleton Township said it will be another very special day for the arena:

“We have enjoyed a fabulous first year, and I am delighted that Her Royal Highness has agreed to officially open the Middleton Arena. It is a fitting acknowledgement that she is coming to Middleton and I know that everyone is excited. I would also like to thank the people of Middleton for their support during the last twelve months … there is a great deal more to come.”

The Middleton Arena welcomed its first visitors in January this year, followed by a special star studded launch week of activities in April with Sir Steve Redgrave MBE, local sporting heroes Keri-Anne Payne, Tommy Booth, Matthew Hall, Simon Jackson and comedian Dave Spikey. December’s official opening event will complete a memorable year for the arena which has had thousands of visitors and won the Places for People Award at the North West Regional Construction Awards.