The visitor centre opens its doors on 31 July

The ceremony takes place at Sportcity visitor centre three years after the opening day of the Commonwealth Games.

Local resident Mandy Gilchrist, world champion cyclist Victoria Pendleton and Kit the Commonwealth Games mascot will perform the opening.

The Sportcity complex was part of the area's regeneration for the games.

Sportcity was the catalyst for the regeneration of East Manchester Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council

This 170sqm facility is on Rowsley Street, off Ashton New Road and features a 65sqm permanent exhibition illustrating the past, present and future of East Manchester.

The exhibition traces the history of the area from 1790 when the Bradford colliery started production, through to the Commonwealth Games and the future promised by the current regeneration.

Councillor Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said there was no dedicated leisure area like Sportcity in the rest of the UK.

Elite athletes

"Sportcity was the catalyst for the regeneration of East Manchester and it is now a destination in its own right," he said.

"Four million people visit the 63-acre site each year to watch football, athletics, cycling and concerts or to take part in sport themselves."

Ms Gilchrist, who was a long term Games volunteer, added, "Sportcity has made a real difference to the area. Now local people can take part in sport alongside elite athletes."