A design sketch of the Wuxi International Tennis Center and Taekwondo Stadium in the Wuxi Economic Development Zone. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxifabu2013]

Construction started on the Wuxi International Tennis Center and Taekwondo Stadium in the Wuxi Economic Development Zone on Nov 9.

With total investment exceeding 1 billion yuan ($156.18 million), the project will be located on the east side of the Wuxi Taihu International Expo Center and cover an area of 45,915.8 square meters.

The international tennis center will be able to seat 5,000 people, while the taekwondo center will be able to seat 2,500 people after it begins operating in 2023. A multifunctional center venue and six outdoor tennis training courts will also be constructed.

Project authorities said that in the next ten years, the new sports venues are expected to host more than 40 domestic and foreign sporting events. The multipurpose central venue will also hold cultural, e-sports, and commercial activities throughout the year. More than 100,000 people are expected to visit these venues annually, bringing in more than 200 million yuan.

Photo captures a bird's-eye view of Wuxi Economic Development Zone. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxifabu2013]

Huafa Group, the biggest State-owned enterprise in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, will be responsible for the construction and operation of these venues. In addition, the buildings' appearance will be designed by top design company POPULOUS, which has participated in the design of large-scale stadiums for the Olympic Games and the World Cup.