The University of Nottingham (UoN) have revealed plans to invest £40m in a new sports complex for University Park.
The new facilities will include an adaptable twenty court hall, a climbing wall, an archery and fencing hall, a martial arts dojo and athletics facilities.
The project, called ‘The David Ross Sports Village’ will be funded from a donation from UoN Law alumnus and Carphone Warehouse founder David Ross. The donation is the largest financial gift that has been received at UoN from a graduate, and is a substantial contribution towards the sports village.
“The new squash facilities will be some of the best in the country… they will provide us with great exposure to potential players”
A purpose-built squash hub which will feature a full glass court, six glass backed courts, viewing galleries and spectator seating is also planned.
Siobhan Knight, President of Nottingham Squash, told Impact: “The new squash facilities will be some of the best in the country. Our teams have been successful over the past few years and these courts will raise our profile even further. This will provide us with great exposure to potential players, and these courts will only serve to strengthen our existing ties with the local squash community.”
“It looks like a big development that will dramatically improve the standard and variety of facilities available on the campus”
Abbie Upton, a second year Environmental Sciences student, said that the new plans for the sports facility look “amazing”. She continued: “I would love to try the climbing wall and archery. This would definitely encourage me to do more sport, especially badminton as the courts are usually so booked up!”
Ben Garry, a second year English student, was equally impressed with the plans. “It looks like a big development that will dramatically improve the standard and variety of facilities available on the campus”, he said.
“Having more dedicated training space should be a big boost to some of the sports and societies at the university, and it just seems like a fantastic plan all round”, Ben continued.
“It’s great to see the university investing in improving the sports facilities, I really look forward to using them”
Building should begin in February 2015, with the aim to finish in June 2016. In order to restrict disruption of current sports activities, the fitness suite will be built next to the existing sports centre.
Fabia Delnevo, a second year Maths student said: “It sounds really impressive! As a frequent user of the gym, a 200 station fitness suite would mean much less crowding”.
Second year Ancient History and French student Ben Warren remarked: “It’s great to see the university investing in improving the sports facilities, I really look forward to using them”.
A permanent exhibition will be set up in the new sports complex to commemorate UoN sporting heroes. Nominations are open on the Students Union website for students to nominate both current students and alumni for the commemoration of their sporting achievements.
Jasmine Nash
Image: University of Nottingham (exchange.nottingham.ac.uk)
