THE wait is nearly over for fitness fanatics in Bicester who have been eagerly awaiting the opening of a new sports ground in the town.

Residents are just days away from being able to get stuck in to a host of new sporting opportunities, with Whitelands Farm Sports Ground due to open its doors for the first time on Saturday.

The 17 hectare site in Kingsmere has been built in recent months and will include several grass pitches and cycling/running track and a two-storey pavilion.

The building includes changing rooms, lockers, a treatment room and showers on the ground floor, plus a function room upstairs with a kitchen and bar, and space for 150 people.

Cherwell District Council leader Barry Wood said: “I have watched the growth of Kingsmere with great interest and have enjoyed working with stakeholders to ensure that this development is the very best addition to Bicester possible.

"The opening of this sports ground is another great milestone for Kingsmere.

"I am looking forward to seeing the sports centre and will enjoy watching residents trying their hand at some of the events on offer on the day."

Families are invited to head down to the site on Saturday from 10am to try out a number of sports made possible by the centre.

These include archery, buggy fit, Nordic walking and 'street games'.

There will also be more traditional sports including football, cricket and rugby.

It will all make up part of an official opening ceremony for the new sports ground.

A number of councillors and other stakeholders will attend and there will be an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the moment.

Site owner Countryside Properties (Bicester) Limited's director, Andrew Carrington, said: "Sport should be an essential part of community living and the facility at Whitelands Farm Sports Ground will enhance the local living experience, particularly for residents living on Kingsmere, as they will be able to walk or cycle to the sports grounds.

"It will also provide the opportunity for residents to join teams and make new friends – all right on their doorstep."

The sports ground makes up part of the Kingsmere development which has been under construction since 2010.

Once complete, Kingsmere is expected to house up to 2,450 homes.

There will also be a community centre, which construction started on in July and which will include a day nursery, convenience store, outdoor space and four shop units.

The sports ground opening event on Saturday will run from 10am to 3pm.