Gateshead Stadium hosts the athletic British Grand Prix in June

The new facility, at Gateshead's International Stadium, boasts the cutting edge of sports education and training programmes.

The venue will host this year's athletics British Grand Prix in June.

World record-holder Asafa Powell and Olympic champion Justin Gatlin are due to compete against each other over 100m for the first time at the event.

Floodlit pitches

Lord Coe said: "Our vision is to reach young people all around the world and to connect them with the inspirational power of the games - so they are inspired to choose sport.

"This vision must start right here - at home in the UK and it must involve everyone that has a role in sport."

The two-storey new development comprises an 82m athletics training hall, facilities for sports science, sports medicine, consulting rooms, classrooms and staff support areas and a fitness room.

There is also an outdoor floodlit athletics throws area and three outdoor sports pitches, including two floodlit artificial turf pitches.

The project was financed by One NorthEast, Sport England, Government Office North East, Northern Rock Foundation, Learning and Skills Council, Tyne Wear Partnership, Gateshead College and Gateshead Council.