A £20 million transformation of the University of Stirling’s sports facilities has been given the green light.
A £20 million transformation of the University of Stirling’s sports facilities has been given the green light.
The redevelopment, which has received planning approval from Stirling Council, will seeScotland’s University for Sporting Excellence create an iconic new sports complex that will be integrated with existing world-class facilities.
Professor Gerry McCormac, University Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: “This is another significant milestone for the University and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience at Stirling.
"Alongside the exciting Campus Central project, the sports facilities redevelopment is part of our major enhancement programme that will transform campus life and help us achieve our strategic aim of being one of the top 25 universities in the UK by 2021."
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 Centre, sports hall and squash courts will remain in their current form.
Director of Sport, Cathy Gallagher, said: “This investment will literally break new ground in respect of sport, physical activity and wellbeing. Our ambition is to set standards at local, national and international levels and the significantly enhanced facilities will unleash new participation, innovative opportunities and an unrivalled experience.
"The unique feature of sport at the University of Stirling is the environment within which Olympic medallists train and compete alongside students, staff and the wider community. This development will mark the beginning of another exciting chapter for sport at the University and within the Stirling area."
Stirling Students' Union President, Astrid Smallenbroek, added: "This project continues to help shape the University’s exciting campus enhancement programme and I’m confident the new sports facilities will encourage as many students as possible to further explore the health and wellbeing opportunities available here at Stirling."
Commonwealth and World champion swimmer, and University of Stirling scholar athlete, Duncan Scott said:
"The University is already renowned for its excellent sports facilities and I think the redevelopment will only enhance this reputation.
"The new building promises to be a great experience for all users and I know the new performance suite will help create an even better training environment for the University’s sports clubs and scholar athletes."
As part of a wider programme of campus enhancement, construction work of the new facility is due to commence in autumn this year, with the centre anticipated to be in operation by summer 2020.
A comprehensive transition programme has been developed to maintain the highest level of user experience throughout the construction period and full details can be found on the temporary facilities page.
Updated Wednesday 21 March 2018
Find out more about the Campus central project.
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