Plans for a £20 million redevelopment of the University of Stirling’s sports facilities have been unveiled.

£20m sports facility plans announced

The investment is designed to transform sport, health and wellbeing at Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.

As part of a wider programme of campus enhancement, the proposed project will see the creation of an iconic new sports complex that will be integrated with the University’s existing world-class facilities.

The plans, which are subject to planning approval, include brand new, purpose-built fitness studios, a gym, three-court sports hall, indoor cycling studio and strength and conditioning areas, 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 Centre, sports hall and squash courts will remain in their current form.

With inclusion and engagement an important element of the project, it is hoped as many students, staff and members of the local community as possible will take advantage of the increased opportunities offered at the proposed new facility.

Director of Sport, Cathy Gallagher, said: “As Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, Stirling has a renowned reputation for providing an unrivalled sporting experience for its students, staff, performance athletes and the wider community.

“Our sporting infrastructure has been sector-leading for nearly 50 years and is a key component in supporting the University’s strategic aim of being one of the top 25 universities in the UK by 2021.

“However, we are aware a world-class university, which has sport, health and wellbeing at the heart of its identity, must have the best sporting facilities, and we believe these exciting plans will propel us to another level.”

The Students' Union President, Astrid Smallenbroek, added: “The Students’ Union is excited by the University’s plans to redevelop its sports facilities and further enhance the student experience on campus. We are confident the new facilities will encourage a wider audience to engage in health and wellbeing activities at the University.”

A comprehensive transition programme has been developed to maintain the highest level of user experience throughout any works and full details of temporary facilities can be found on the dedicated temporary facilities page. All other updates will be shared as the project progresses.

A period of consultation was carried out with key stakeholders to ensure the new facility is transformational for the University and that Stirling continues to raise standards and remains best-in-class for a sporting experience.

Updated Wednesday 21 March 2018