Uni sports hub on the starting line
Planners OK £20m project
A £20 million transformation of the sports facilities at the University of Stirling has been given the goahead.
The redevelopment will see a new sports complex created to stand alongside the facilities already at the university, which has 14,000 students.
This will include studios, a fitness suite, three-court sports hall, indoor cycling studio, strength and conditioning area and highperformance suite.
Work is due to get underway in the autumn and the centre is due to be in operation by the summer of 2020.
The National Swimming Academy, National Tennis Centre, sports hall and squash courts will be unchanged.
The proposals were given planning approval by Stirling Council last week.
University principal Professor Gerry McCormac said: “This is another significant milestone for the university and demonstrates our commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience at Stirling.
“Alongside the exciting campus central project, the sports facilities redevelopment is part of our programme that will transform campus life and help us achieve our aim of being one of the top 25 universities in the UK by 2021.”
Director of sport Cathy Gallagher said: “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 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.”
Swimmer Duncan Scott, who earlier this year won six medals at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, 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.”
Earlier this year the £21 million campus central project was unveiled by university.
It will include new study and learning facilities, meeting areas, a new gateway to the Macrobert Arts Centre, better shops and eateries for staff, students and visitors and will maximise the impact of the natural surroundings. There will also be a refurbishment to the existing atrium, creation of a new three-storey building, and a trafficfree Queen’s Court.