WORCESTER'S MP has mentioned the city's £15 million University Arena in parliament - saying the glittering venue is leading the way in boosting tourism and sport.

During a House of Commons debate on town regeneration, Robin Walker said the facility, which is home to Worcester Wolves basketball team, is making a huge contribution to the city's ongoing strives forward.

He also told fellow MPs the University of Worcester, which is the fastest growing in the UK, should take a lot of credit for the steady regeneration in recent years, saying the Hive has transformed the learning opportunities on offer.

He made his comments after Barry Sheerrman, an MP for Huddersfield, said town centres are in "great danger", insisting they must rely less on a retail and more on the arts, culture and learning.

Mr Walker said: "He is making some excellent points.

"He mentioned aesthetics, culture and all the things that can make our town centres great.

"I have a university in Worcester that has been one of the fastest growing in the UK and has contributed to the city getting a fantastic new library shared between the city and university.

"It has also contributed, this is an issue that he has not yet mentioned, to an improvement in our sports facilities, including a fantastic wheelchair basketball arena in Worcester city centre.

"Does he agree that universities have much to offer the life of our cities and town centres?"

Mr Sheerman said if any cities or towns have universities that are "willing to share facilities" that is an excellent way forward.

"A lot of universities are slightly out of town, but those that have wisdom involve themselves more and more in the life of the city centre," he said.

"Without those things, a (city) centre becomes impoverished."

In Worcester, much of the serious public sector investment since the turn of the century has been university-driven, especially as council funding has been reducing.

The parliamentary debate saw input from MPs around the country on how their areas were doing.

The popular arena, in Hylton Road, has a 2,000 capacity and has led to Worcester Wolves popularity rocketing, with thousands flocking to the centre to see the team play.

It is also the main base for badminton, disabled basketball and features a strength and conditioning suite for elite athletes.

The university was awarded £1.5 million from Sport England’s Iconic Facilities Olympic Legacy Fund towards the development.