A NEW multi-million pound Sports Hub at the University of Warwick is one step closer to completion after contractor Willmott Dixon hosted a topping out ceremony today, which traditionally signifies the structure has reached its maximum height.

Due to complete in March 2019, the new Sports Hub will create one of the best sports facilities at a UK university – including the UK’s largest gym facility in the HE sector – aligning with the University of Warwick’s ambition to be the “most physically active campus community in the UK by 2020”. Once complete, it will be available to all students, staff and the general public.

Replacing the current sports centre on the campus, the Hub will feature a sports hall, a swimming pool, fitness suites, climbing and bouldering walls and flexible studio spaces, as well as squash courts, outdoor 3G sports pitches and netball courts. It will also be the official training ground of Coventry’s Wasps Netball super-league team.

The afternoon included a tour of the internal areas including the 12-lane swimming pool, as well as speeches on the main roof from key representatives, including Lisa Dodd-Mayne, director of sport and active communities at University of Warwick, and Peter Owen, managing director of Willmott Dixon in the Midlands.

Speaking of the facility, Lisa Dodd-Mayne said: “The Hub will mark a major step towards seeing the University of Warwick achieve its ambition to have the most active campus community in the UK.

“The building will house top quality facilities, and will give all of its users the opportunity to be active in their own unique way.  It will become a destination facility for our students, staff and local community, delivering an outstanding experience for all.”

This is the second project that the University has partnered with Willmott Dixon to deliver, following the completion of the Oculus Building, the University’s flagship central teaching facility, in 2016.

Peter Owen added: “This is a fantastic project to be a part of, creating cutting edge sporting facilities for the community at University of Warwick, which will really benefit its users.

“Our team has an excellent track record of producing leading leisure facilities and we are delighted to be back on campus and working again with University of Warwick as their partner to unlock future growth.”

For more information on the centre, visit https://www.willmottdixon.co.uk/projects/university-of-warwick-sports-hub