Sport facilities hit new heights at the University of Stirling

The University of Stirling’s £20 million sports facilities redevelopment has reached another major milestone after building work reached its highest point.

With nearly 5000 cubic metres of concrete and 260 tonnes of steel now in place, all three levels of the new building, which is due to open in summer 2020, are now set for the next stage of development which will see the installation of a stunning glass-based exterior envelope.

The project update comes at a significant time for the University after it was recently named UK Sports University of the Year, in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide for 2020, and the sports facilities redevelopment, which remains on schedule, is expected to reinforce Stirling’s flourishing reputation.

Professor Gerry McCormac, University Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: “The sports facilities redevelopment is part of a significant investment we are making in our campus and it’s fantastic to see it progress at such a pace.

“Having been named the UK’s Sports University of the Year, the sport and wellbeing offer at the University, in terms of participation, performance, research and education, has never been stronger and the redevelopment will play a huge role in enhancing the student experience at Stirling.”

The redevelopment is on schedule and due to be completed by summer 2020.

Linking all facilities under one roof, the new building will include purpose-built studios, an innovative fitness suite, three-court sports hall, indoor cycling studio, strength and conditioning area, as well as a new state-of-the-art high performance suite. Users of the new building will also benefit from enhanced changing facilities and communal spaces. The National Swimming Academy, National Tennis Academy, sports hall and squash courts will remain in their current form.

University of Stirling Director of Sport, Cathy Gallagher, said: “This is fantastic moment for the project and, following the Sports University of the Year accolade, a tremendous time for sport, health and wellbeing at the University of Stirling.

“The new facilities are beginning to take shape and we’re now in a position to visualise how the finished product is going to look. It’s all adding to a real sense of anticipation amongst staff, students and our community members and I’m extremely excited by the possibilities the redevelopment is going to bring in 2020 and beyond.”

Stirling Sports Union President, Gill Thayne, added: Stirling Sports Union President, Gill Thayne, added: “We’re really pleased with the level of investment being made in the campus and the sports facilities redevelopment is one of the leading projects within that.

“It’s been great to see the progress being made on-site and some of the spaces are looking particularly impressive. It’s a fantastic project to be involved in and we look forward to working with the University of Stirling Sport team to maximise the opportunities it will bring for all students at the University.

“It’s really exciting for all of our sports teams that the facilities will be in use next year – it’s not far away and great that the wait is nearly over!”

Professor Gerry McCormac (centre), with Gill Thayne (left) and Cathy Gallagher (right) in the soon-to-be new sports hall.

Morrison Construction Operation’s Director, Allan Cunningham, said: ‘‘It is wonderful to be here today to celebrate this key project milestone and welcome University of Stirling representatives to site.

‘‘Our experienced team have made excellent progress on this fantastic redevelopment. The completed 260-tonne steel frame has created an outline of the project, allowing the community to appreciate how the sports centre will fit into the Campus once successfully delivered, and the internal works are now progressing.

‘‘As construction continues to progress, we will keep engaging with all community stakeholders.’’

The sports facilities redevelopment is part of a programme of investment at the University that will also see the creation of a new three-storey building at the heart of campus, as well as a new Courtyard development. The new sports centre is anticipated to be in operation by summer 2020.