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 as well as students.
Northamptonshire civil engineering firm Prestige Civil & Sports has begun construction of 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.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.
