A £330m state-of-the-art university is taking shape in Northampton, ready to open in 2018 with a floodlit all-weather pitch and three Multi-Use Games Areas for use by the community and students.
Northamptonshire civil engineering firm Prestige Civil & Sports has begun constructing the sports pitches at Northampton University‘s Waterside Campus using Zaun sports fencing.
The floodlit all-weather pitch measuring 108m by 71m is already complete, with 4.8m-high fencing for ball retention, Duo8 Sports Rebound to the bottom 3m and floodlight posts incorporated into the fencing.
Duo8 Super Rebound forms a robust play area that is highly durable, low maintenance and ‘graffiti proof, with great rebound properties similar to a wall and rubber inserts between panels and posts to keep ‘rattle’ during play to a minimum.
The new university will transform a 58-acre brownfield site along the River Nene into a vibrant cultural and social attraction, drawing in students and visitors from across the county and further afield.
Work on-site began in 2015 and is now close to completion – the new campus opens its doors in September 2018 – with community focus at the heart of the design.
This includes commercial space, a hotel, leisure space and sustainable links to the town. In addition, a Grade II listed engine shed on the south of the campus has been converted into the home of the Students’ Union and its sports, societies and services.
A multi-use sports dome – for netball, badminton, volleyball and basketball – two sports performance labs and teaching spaces are also part of the development.
Sports are offered free to all students – Northampton is one of only two universities in the country to offer this.
