THE first part of a community sports pavilion in Oxford has been crane-lifted into place by builders.

Oxford City Council has released images of the wood-clad structure being dropped into place at the site of the new Oxford Sports Park.

The £4.9m development in Horspath Road, on the edge of Cowley, will provide sports facilities to the public as well as pitches exclusively used as Oxford United's new training ground.

Building started in September and the park is due to open in summer.

It will include new football, cricket and softball pitches, practice areas, as well as the pavilion.

In the tweet sent on Saturday, the council said: "The first module for the pavilion at Oxford Sports Park has been lifted into place.

"The pavilion will feature changing rooms, a kitchen, and social and storage space to support the new pitches."

The first pitches were laid in January and building is now progressing towards completion, though an exact date of opening has not yet been announced.

Plans for the park also include a habitat area with a pond, and a 150-space car park with 12 electric vehicle charging points.

Fusion Lifestyle has a 25-year lease to operate the park, and will provide pitch hire, competitions, leagues, children's sports parties and events there.

Any teams or groups interested in using the facilities can email oxfordsportspark@fusion-lifestyle.com.