CRICKET legend Dickie Bird will tomorrow kick-start work on a £22.5 million leisure facility in Huddersfield.

He will signal “start of play” for work to begin at Huddersfield University’s new sports complex, off Queensgate.

The former Test umpire (inset) will preside over a ceremonial ground-breaking ceremony. The complex is expected to open in 2014.

In 2008 Dickie Bird received the title Honorary Doctor of Civil Laws by the Sir Patrick Stewart, Chancellor of the University.

He’s continued to be involved in university life and after tomorrow’s ceremony he will meet students in the nearby Central Services Building atrium to chat to them, field questions and pose for photographs and sign autographs, from midday.

Last year Kirklees councillors on the planning committee gave the green light for what was dubbed the ‘blue box’.

The university will pull down its current and ageing sports hall and build a modern facility.

The colour of the building is now said to be neutral green after the Huddersfield Civic Society criticised the original blue design.