The Jubilee Sports Centre Extension project has reached a significant construction milestone this week with the completion of the highest section of the new building. This has been celebrated with a topping out ceremony, attended by colleagues from both the University and Wates Group, who are building the centre.
Our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mark E. Smith, was joined at the ceremony by Alec Jackman, Regional Director of Wates Group and representatives from the Project Team during which the Vice-Chancellor laid the last section of concrete at the highest point of the building, marking the completion of the external structure.
The extension is due to be completed in summer 2024 and will include a modernised gym with 200 exercise stations, five new sports studios including dedicated martial arts and indoor cycling spaces, and a bouldering/climbing wall.
There will also be a reception area with toilets and cafe, as well as parking for e-scooters and bikes.
Professor Mark E. Smith said: “I am delighted to see the incredible progress that has been made since we broke ground on site just under a year ago. Sport, fitness and wellbeing are extremely important to our students, staff and our local community, and I know this building will be well used when it opens next summer.
“This project is just one example of the significant investments we are making in our buildings and infrastructure to ensure we are providing facilities that enable our staff and students to continue to excel.
“It is a fantastic achievement to have reached this point in the project and I would like to thank all those involved in both the planning and delivery.”
Alec Jackman, Regional Director of Wates Construction Southern, said: “As we stand here today, celebrating the topping out ceremony at Jubilee Sports Centre, it’s a testament to the longstanding partnership we have developed with the University of Southampton. From our work across the Boldrewood Campus to our ongoing dedication to delivering the Faraday Enabling Works, this project embodies our shared commitment to excellence. I’m immensely proud that our team’s dedication and conscientious efforts have earned us a perfect score of 45/45 on this site’s first visit from the Considerate Contractor Scheme. We are looking forward to the opening of Jubilee Sports Centre in the summer of 2024.”
