£6m Lancaster University sports hall completed

The final phase of the much-anticipated £6m sports hall development at Lancaster University has been completed.

Conlon Construction was appointed in the Summer of 2019 to deliver the 1,347 m2 hall, which is an extension of the university’s existing sports facilities.

The new sports hall, which has been created to encourage more people from within the university and the local community to engage in sports activities, houses a variety of full-sized sports courts, including a basketball court and eight badminton courts, as well as retractable seating for more than 500 people.

Lancaster University’s vice-chancellor, Prof Andy Schofield, said: “The project has been a great success despite the setbacks brought about by COVID-19.

“The building will be a real asset to the university, providing a great setting for sport, but also, considering the current pressure on teaching space due to the pandemic, much-needed space to support teaching and exams.”

The university’s director of estates, facilities and commercial services, Andrew Burgess, said: “The fantastic facilities here are always in high demand from students, staff and the local community, too.

“The additional sports hall will give us twice as much capacity.

“All the staff here are really excited to get the sports centre opened as soon as possible and can’t wait for people to see the new courts.”

Neil Conlon, director for Conlon Construction, said: “The completion of the Lancaster University sports hall is a demonstration of what a true, collective effort can achieve, even during times of significant adversity.

“When this landmark sports hall can open its doors fully to the public, we will be sound in the knowledge that we did more than simply construct a building – we have made an immediate and long-term difference to the Lancaster economy and its young people.”