Plans for a new £10m sports arena on the site of a former fruit and vegetable market in Worcester are to be submitted by the University of Worcester (UW) next week.

The Robert Limbrick Architects-designed Worcester Arena is designed to help drive up participation from grassroots to elite level across the region. Willmott Dixon has been appointed to work with consultants to develop the design of the 5,300sq m (57,049sq ft) arena, which will incorporate 12 indoor courts.

Retractable seating for up to 1,850 people will enable the Worcester Arena to host major indoor events, while teaching facilities are also proposed. Meanwhile, the design of the arena aims to ensure it is able to cater for disability sports, with all areas and changing rooms allowing independent wheelchair access.

UW vice chancellor Professor David Green said: "The introduction of this arena will provide a first class facility for sports lovers in the city and region. "It will attract a great range of top-class national and international events to the City, particularly in disability sport."