Wates Group begin work on £40m University of Southampton sports centre

Published by

Stephen Emerson

A £40million upgrade and investment in the University of Southampton's sports facilities has commenced.

The improvements and extension to the Highfield campus Jubilee Sports Centre is part of an overall £600million programme of works. The works include demolition of some buildings considered not fit for purpose, refurbishment of others and improving student accommodation provision.

The construction supports the University’s aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

A ground breaking ceremony marking the start of the Jubilee Sports Centre project was held. The sod turning was attended by university staff and representatives of The Wates Group who are undertaking the construction project.

Professor Mark Smith, Vice Chancellor of the University was joined by Dr Alan Whitehead MP, Casie Osborne, VP of Sports for the Students’ Union, Sir James Wates, Chairman of Wates Group, and Richard Shroll, managing director of Wates Construction South.

The project will see construction of a modernised gym, new sports studios, indoor cycling spaces, a climbing wall, new reception space and a cafe.

Artist impression of completed works to University of Southampton's sport's facilities. image credit University of Southampton.

Richard Shroll, managing director of Wates Construction South, said: “We’ve got extensive experience building new leisure facilities across the country and at each, we’ve seen the phenomenal impact investment has on the health and wellbeing of communities.

"The Jubilee Sports Centre represents the latest addition of modern, carefully designed facilities which prioritise sustainability to the University’s portfolio, and we’re proud to mark the next exciting phase in bringing the build to life.”

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Professor Mark Smith said: “Today’s ceremony marks the start of an exciting chapter of our new sports building, and indeed, our long-term plans to improve other parts of our campuses.

“Over the next five years we will be making significant investments in our buildings and infrastructure to ensure we are providing research and teaching facilities that enable our staff and students to continue to excel.

“This significant investment is for the benefit of both the University and the city of Southampton.

Main image - University of Southampton Vice Chancellor, Mark E Smith with Dr Alan Whitehead and Sir James Wates of the Wates Group, credit University of Southampton.

Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset. Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users. He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.