Sports building celebrates topping out

Our new sports building celebrated reaching its next construction milestone last week.

On Friday 4 May, students and representatives from the University and lead contractor Morgan Sindall gathered at a topping out ceremony – marking the highest point during the building’s construction. 

Solent University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Baldwin, says: “Since construction began in September 2017 at the ground breaking celebrations, the new sports building has transformed. It is now clear to see how the new building will transform East Park Terrace and our wider University campus.

“After months of building, the topping out ceremony is also an opportunity for us to welcome staff, students and key stakeholders to enjoy a first look as the building takes shape and thank everyone involved.”

The new sports building is 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.

Jon Daines, Area Director at Morgan Sindall, added: “We have now reached a key point in the build programme and we’re delighted to be marking this milestone with Solent University and our wider project team.

“This shape of the structure is now clear and you can begin to gain a sense of the striking landmark this building will form on campus once complete. We look forward to continuing to make good progress on the build and to delivering a brilliant facility in spring next year.”

During the topping out ceremony, staff and student from the University marked the occasion by signing a piece steel frame for prosperity and a yew sapling was presented to Solent University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Baldwin.  The new sports building will be in use Summer 2019.