The new £15m Middleton Arena in Rochdale, which was officially opened by Olympian Sir Steve Redgrave last month, has won the Places for People award at the recent Regional Northwest Construction Awards.

One of 15 awards made, the Places for People category targets projects that 'tackle issues such as crime, health, sport or education, it also recognises the contribution to physical and/or social regeneration and the re-use of existing land'.

Andy Zuntz, executive director of Rochdale Borough Council said: "We're starting to see more development in the town now, and the future is looking good ... the arena is a wonderful facility for everyone. Built on the site of a former gas works and incinerator facility, the project has brought 1.3 hectares of derelict town centre into beneficial use."

The arena, which is operated on behalf of the council by Link4Life, the Rochdale Boroughwide Cultural Trust, boasts a 90-station fitness centre, four-court sports hall, swimming pool with viewing gallery, dance studio, squash courts, youth gym, 550 seat auditorium and licensed bars.

The trust's managing director, Craig McAteer, said: "During the development of the building, extensive discussions were held with local interest groups and consultations were held with local residents and the users of existing facilities.

"Capturing the needs and knowledge of local people was critical to the success of the finished product. The resultant building is a testament to the way in which the team worked together to produce a building which is intended to provide many years of use to the local community."