University of Warwick’s heavily anticipated sports centre breaks ground

Construction firm Willmott Dixon has begun work on the University of Warwick's new sports and wellness hub in Coventry, UK.

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, director of Sport & Active Communities at the University of Warwick, said the school envisions creating the "most active community in the UK". / Courtesy of David Morley Architects

Set to become one of the largest recreational and fitness facilities in Britain, the David Morley-designed complex will span 16,684 sq ft (1,550 sq m) and feature a 12-court sports hall and 230-station gym, as well as pools, indoor climbing walls, fitness suites, studio spaces, and outdoor sports pitches.

The £49m project, which ties in with Coventry's tenure as the 2019 European City of Sport, is also part of the university's push to become the "most physically active campus community in the UK by 2020".

In a statement, Peter Owen, managing director of Willmott Dixon in the Midlands, said: "This is a fantastic project to be part of, creating cutting-edge sporting facilities for the community at The University of Warwick.

"Our teams have an excellent track record of producing leading leisure facilities and we are delighted to be working once again with the University as their partner to unlock future growth."

The sprawling facility is expected to open next year ahead of the Europe Corporate Games, which will take place in Coventry in August 2019.

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