A unique UK facility reached a key milestone when the Elite Athlete Performance Centre was revealed for the first time at Loughborough College.

After four months the scaffolding around the Gables has started to be dismantled, unveiling the newly-restored listed townhouse that will house the first-of-its kind centre.

To mark the occasion, Loughborough College Principal Jim Mutton was presented with one of the simulated hawks that have become a popular sight hovering over the Gables, to deter birds from nesting within the building.

The external refurbishment of the historic building, involving teams of specialists, has helped return it to a near original condition while the interior is being transformed to provide 18 high specification en-suite bedrooms, which will house some of the UK’s top 16-18 sporting talent. Members of the English volleyball team will be the first elite athletes to take up residence in April.

Jim Mutton said: “The Elite Athlete Performance Centre has been specifically developed to address the gap in professional and tailored support for some of our most talented young athletes. This new facility gives us the opportunity to work on an individual basis with gifted youngsters, to nurture and develop their sporting prowess and provide them with a solid grounding for their future ambitions.”