A £330m university is taking shape in Northamptonshire, due 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 sports fencing from the Midlands-based fence manufacturer Zaun.
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 what the manufacturer calls a robust play area that is durable, low maintenance and ‘graffiti-proof’, with 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 turn a 58-acre brownfield site along the River Nene into a cultural and social attraction, drawing in students and visitors. Work on site began in 2015 and is now close to completion – the new campus opens its doors in September 2018. It includes commercial space, a hotel, leisure space and 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 unis in the UK to offer this.
