Ground breaking ceremony marks the start of sports building for Solent

Plans for a new £28 million sports building at Solent University reached a momentous milestone this week, as ground breaking work went underway.

Representatives from the University, students and lead contractor Morgan Sindall, helped mark the start of construction yesterday morning (Wednesday 27 September).

Part of an ongoing £100 million estates development plan, which is transforming Solent’s East Park Terrace (EPT) campus, the new sports building will comprise of two sports halls, three fitness studios, a health and wellbeing gym, a strength and conditioning gym and high quality teaching facilities. Parking will also be available underneath the building.

Southampton Solent University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Baldwin, says: “Today’s ceremony marks the exciting next chapter for our new sports building. This building will not only enhance the learning experience for our students and staff, but also deepen the University's connections with our wider local community, supporting the regions’ economic growth and development.”

“We would like to thank all those involved after months of planning and consideration and look forward to watching the next stage of our development plan take shape over the coming months.”

Andy Duff, Managing Director of Morgan Sindall in the South, says: “We’re delighted to be starting work on this ambitious scheme which will help the University enhance its sport, health and fitness related degree programmers by providing outstanding specialist facilities. 

“Several managers within our construction staff are Solent University graduates, so there is particular pride in our involvement with the Sports Building project. This is a striking development that will create a fantastic entrance to the East Park Terrace campus and we’re looking forward to working closely with the entire project team to deliver a great building for the University.”

The building is set to open to students in summer 2019. Designed by Morgan Sindall and their team, including Architecture PLB and Arup engineers and supported by planning consultants JLL. 

Find out more about the new sports building here.