Work on an exciting new indoor football facility in Newton Aycliffe is due to start soon.

The £1.7m Soccer Factory will convert the former Thrislingtons factory on Aycliffe Business Park into a state-of-the-art indoor complex. Managing director  Dan Lewis said: “It has been  frustrating we have fallen slightly behind schedule but we understand the economic climate isn’t easy for business angel investors at the minute, and as such it has taken us slightly longer to generate the funding required to complete the project.

“However that funding now appears to be in place and we are just waiting for the solicitors to sign it off and give us the go ahead.  Whilst we had hoped to be open by now, we are confident that the facility will be one the people of Aycliffe and the surrounding areas will be proud of and take full advantage of in the coming years.

Phil Wilson MP, president of the town’s football club, added: “I’ve seen the plans for the Soccer Factory and it promises to be an exciting new facility for the town and surrounding areas.

“There’s a real appetite for football in this region and I think there’ll be a high demand for the use of this brilliant new complex – I’m looking forward to seeing it open.”

It’s hoped the first of the five-a-side courts will be ready for Christmas, with other facilities continually being added.

The completed facility will boast seven spacious courts, utilising the latest 3g artificial grass technology, a health and fitness suite, strength and conditioning suite, multi-purpose studios, a physiotherapy clinic, a café/ bar, function rooms and meeting spaces.

Any enquiries should be directed to djl@thesoccerfactoryltd.co.uk