Construction of sports hub at Nestlé Rowntree Park begins

Work has begun on York St John University’s latest investment.

The sports hub at Nestlé Rowntree Park on Haxby Road will provide a wide range of additional teaching, sport and recreational facilities for the University.

A 2,300m² building has been designed to include a sports hall, changing rooms, gym facilities and conference and teaching space.

The Directorate of Estate Management & Development have worked closely with colleagues from the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Students’ Union and YSJ Active to develop the building.

David Chesser, Chief Operating Officer, said: “This is a major investment for the University and will be a superb facility for students, staff and community groups.

 “As well as providing lecture and learning spaces for students on sport and health related courses the new building will provide opportunities to improve health and well-being for students and staff from across the University and members of the community.

“The facilities will also be used by local sports team partners including York City FC and York City Knights RLFC.”

The hub project is due for completion for the start of the 2016/17 academic year. For progress update and a video detailing the design please visit the project page.

Nestlé Rowntree Park was officially opened in April this year by Howard Webb MBE, world-renowned referee and York St John University Honorary Graduate, ahead of a community football match.

The 57 acre site, just under a mile from the Lord Mayor’s Walk campus, includes a 3G pitch for rugby and football; a synthetic pitch for hockey and small-sided games; three netball courts and three tennis courts. There is also a grass pitch for rugby, two grass football pitches, a cricket pitch, a sprint track and a bowling green.

Renovation work to eight outdoor pitches on ‘North Fields’, on the opposite side of Haxby Road, was completed earlier this year and opened at the start of the academic year.