The University of Warwick’s Sport and Wellness Hub has won the ‘Award for Excellence’ at the annual Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA) awards.
The facility, which is part of a £49 million investment in the hub and adjoining sports facilities at the University, will open on Monday, April 15.
SAPCA promotes excellence, professionalism and continuous achievement throughout the industry.
The Sport and Wellness Hub was designed by David Morley Architects LLP, who are members of SAPCA and received the honour at the award ceremony.
It beat off 10 finalists to win the national award and the project has been now completed by main contractor Wilmott Dixon.
Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Director of Sport & Active Communities at the University of Warwick, said: “The Sport and Wellness Hub is part of our wider strategy to promote health and wellbeing across the campus – with the goal of being the most active campus community in the UK by 2020.
“This is truly a world-class facility and it is fantastic that it is receiving national accolades such as the award from SAPCA before it has even opened.”
The building is designed for to be accessible and inclusive for all, encouraging everyone – of any age or ability – to try something active.
The design also has sustainability at the heart, incorporating architectural and technical to leave a smaller footprint on the planet.
It will include a spacious 230-station gym and a 25-metre, 12-lane swimming pool – both enjoying views of the surrounding woodland.
It also features a 12-court sports arena, six glass-backed squash courts and a cutting-edge climbing centre.
Andy Mytom, Partner at David Morley Architects, added: “We are proud to have worked with the University of Warwick to create a campus wide master plan and major new facility to support their vision of being create the most active campus in the UK.
“This project fits perfectly with our ethos at David Morley Architects to enhance life through design, and encourages participation through a combination of ‘people, places and programmes.
“Central to this is our concept of ‘See it, Do it’, where sport and activity becomes visually and physically accessible across the campus.”
David Hammond Director of Capital Programmes at the University of Warwick Estates, said: “The Sport and Wellness Hub is designed to inspire everyone who walks through the door to be more active.
“We are delighted that the fantastic design has received this recognition from SAPCA and the award is testament to the hard work completed by all involved in the design and build process.
“It’s very exciting that construction has now been completed and we’re looking forward to opening the doors next month to staff, students and the general public.”
Andy Reed OBE, Chairman of SAPCA, said: “I was delighted to see this project win as it encapsulates all that we are striving to do to create an Active Nation – thinking differently about the way we build our environment to encourage greater participation and physical activity.
“I know David Morley Architects have embraced this vision in their work and this latest project is a great showcase for what can be achieved.”
University of Warwick Sport and Wellness Hub memberships are now on sale with a range of packages available for the general public, students and staff.
To find out more information about University of Warwick’s Sport and Wellness Hub and the range of membership options visit www.warwick.ac.uk/sporthub
