Willmott Dixon's track record for sporting facilities and stadia
has been further strengthened with its appointment by the
University of Worcester to develop a multi-purpose sports venue
called Worcester Arena.
The arena, designed by Gloucester based Roberts Limbrick
Architects, will have retractable seating for up to 2,000 people
and attract top-class regional, national and international events
to the city.
As the new home for Worcester Wolves Basketball Club, it will
have special emphasis on international level basketball. However
its 12 courts will cater for a full range of indoor sports
including badminton, futsal, handball, netball, short tennis and
volleyball.
The arena has a strong focus on the low use of fossil fuel
energy through features such as natural lighting and ventilation,
the reuse of rainwater and a Combined Heat and Power unit giving it
a BREEAM rating of 'Excellent'.
Peter Owen, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the
Midlands, says, "We've just finished the acclaimed Corby-East
Midlands International Pool and are delighted to be behind another
sporting venue which will have a major impact for the community,
attracting a great range of spectator events to the city when it's
completed in 2012."
The 6,000 m2 arena is highly inclusive and caters for major
disability team sports, with all areas and changing rooms designed
for independent wheelchair access.
In parallel with the planning process, Willmott Dixon will work
with consultants to develop the design, allowing construction work
to commence in April 2011 once planning approval has been
received.
The project has been made possible following the university's
purchase in January 2010 of the former fruit and vegetable market
on Worcester's Hylton Road.