The Wates Group has announced the successful completion of a new state-of-the-art sports centre on behalf of the University of Southampton.

The new Jubilee Sports Centre is set to be a central hub for fitness and recreation for the University. The existing facility has doubled in size, now spanning 4,495m2 with an impressive three storey atrium.

Through this extension development, Wates has also enhanced and upgraded the existing facilities to be used by the University staff and students, members of the public and community groups.

The building is fitted out with state-of-the-art fitness facilities, providing a comprehensive blend of sport and well-being activities for the community.

It seamlessly co-ordinates sustainable development targets with cost, sophisticated aesthetics, clever and thoughtful interior design and pragmatic infrastructure provision.

The centre houses large climbing and bouldering walls, 3 squash courts, 200 station gym, exercise studios to support a range of sports and activities, dry changing facilities and a café area. 

With two separate entrances, the extension is linked to the existing building and not designed as an add-on, providing a blend of space that is flexible and multi-use. 

-- Advertisement --

The project set out to remove as many barriers to healthy living as possible, meeting functionality objectives to inspire the local community to participate in activities that promote health and wellbeing, in line with Southampton's motto ‘Active for All'.

As part of Wates' commitment to reimagining places for people to thrive, the development focuses on inclusivity with a wide range of fitness equipment to meet the needs of students, staff and the local community.

The project has delivered a substantial amount of social value, totalling to £88,000. 10 apprentices were employed on the project, along with 8 work experience placements and site tours for local students.

1,594 students have also been supported by education activities, £6,000 has been donated to a local charity supporting children with terminal cancer and £82,000 has been spent on Social Enterprise companies.

10 local unemployed people were supported through training course to help them gain employment in construction and a local resident was employed at the start of the project as an Apprentice Site Manager and is now joining the Wates Trainee Scheme in September.

The extension has been awarded a BREEAM rating of excellent, along with an increased quantity of PV panels to meet the University of Southampton's net zero carbon target.

Kevin Argent, Executive Director of Estates and Facilities at the University of Southampton said: "I would like to thank Paul Quinnell and his team at Wates for the successful delivery of our new Sports Centre, the team's dedication, professionalism and attention to detail have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on our staff, students and wider community."

Jason Wooldridge, Operations Director at Wates Group, added: "This project is a testament to Wates' ability to deliver complex projects seamlessly. We are proud of the exceptional facility we've created, particularly the positive, social impact the project has had on the local community.

"Our purpose at Wates is to create thriving places for communities, providing opportunities for all to feel included and invested in. We believe this new sports centre is testament to this, helping to unlock and improve wellbeing in the local community."