Topping out ceremony for the University's new sports park
Friday 6 March 2009
The University of Surrey’s ambitious £35 million Surrey Sports Park development has now reached a key milestone in its development, as the highest point of the structure – part of the roof – has been completed. Work started on the development in July 2008 and despite some challenging weather conditions, contractors Willmott Dixon are still on schedule.
To mark this milestone, an official ‘Topping Out’ ceremony was held on Thursday 05 March, attended by local dignitaries, many of the companies that have been involved in the build and friends of the University.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christopher Snowden, comments: “After months of planning, development and construction it is exciting to see the concept really starting to become a reality. The Surrey Sports Park will be a magnificent asset for the University, the people and businesses of Surrey and our country’s young and upcoming athletes.”
Earlier in the day, the England and Surrey cricket legend, Alec Stewart, who has a honorary degree from the University, toured the facilities to add his support to the project.
Due for final completion in early 2010, the Surrey Sports Park is one of the most exciting developments in the history of the University of Surrey. Surrey has always prided itself on its academic record and has a strong sporting reputation despite outdated facilities.
The facilities being created will establish the University as one of the leading higher education institutions for sport in the UK. The state-of-the-art 50 metre swimming pool will be one of centre’s major features and the facilities for disabled athletes will be among the best in the country.
The Surrey Sports Park is already listed within the official training camp guide for the Paralympics ahead of the 2012 Games and with Team GB training in nearby Aldershot it is widely expected to be used as a training centre for many of the country’s top athletes leading up to the London Games.
Facilities at the Surrey Sports Park will include:
• 50m, 8 lane swimming pool
• 3 multi purpose halls, each accommodating 4 badminton courts
• 8 squash courts with show courts for 180+ spectators
• 8 outdoor floodlit tennis courts
• 12m high climbing wall
• 2 floodlit artificial grass pitches
• 8 football / rugby pitches
• 2 multi purpose studios
• 100 station health and fitness suite
• Extensive wet and dry changing areas
• 2 consultation and treatment rooms
• 350 seat café and social area
Media Enquiries
Peter La, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 689191, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk
