Work to begin on new sports centre

The famous Barnsley-born former test umpire will preside over a ceremonial ground-breaking ceremony at the site of the university’s new Learning and Leisure Centre, scheduled for completion in 2014.

The new centre, adjacent to Wakefield Road, will boast a new sports hall, with a much greater range of facilities than the present building, including an eight-court hall, squash courts and fitness studios.

There will also be more than 1,000 square metres of social, catering and learning space with links through to the existing library. The new catering area will be much larger and more flexible than existing facilities.

There will also a new and expanded student services centre.

Mr Bird was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Huddersfield in 2008.

After the ground-breaking the cricket legend will stay on the campus to chat with students, field questions and pose for photographs and sign autographs.