New Changing pavilion open for business

The new facility will provide teams and other customers using the outdoor facilities with a dedicated changing space, toilets and showers without the need to enter the main Sports Park building.

The pavilion will be of particular benefit to the university’s hockey teams, with two changing rooms providing direct access onto the water-based pitch, which was resurfaced in August.

Director of Sport Phil Attwell commented: “We are incredibly pleased with the finished product. The new changing rooms will make a huge difference to all users of the outdoor facilities at the Sports Park - we want all players, both visitors and those from the university, to feel as comfortable as possible when playing sport here and this pavilion will no doubt help to do that.”

The pavilion is also home to a filming platform and two tiers of seating which directly overlook the pitch.

Phil said: “The new grandstand provides the perfect platform from which to enjoy all of the action that that takes place on the hockey pitch. Hockey is a very important sport at the University of Exeter and we look forward to having spectators cheering on the University of Exeter’s hockey teams.”

The new pavilion is the most recent product of the £8million re-development project taking place at the Sports Park, which has already seen the water-based hockey pitch resurfaced, six outdoor tennis courts covered and a new multi use games area (MUGA) constructed.

Kier Project manager Andrew Nixon commented: “We are pleased to complete the pavilion development and very happy with the scheme that we have handed over. We are sure that the changing rooms and viewing balcony will enhance the existing Sports Park facilities and make a real difference to Student sport”

Work is now rapidly continuing on the flagship Russel Seal Fitness Centre which is due to be completed in October. The centre, which is the focus of the development, will house a new 200 station gym equipped with the latest Life Fitness technology, as well as a new fitness studio and synergy space.

Phil added: “The Russel Seal Fitness Centre will be like nothing the University has ever seen before. Not only will it be double the size of the current gym facility but the centre will offer full connectivity, interactive training programmes and multi-media entertainment systems to help maximise the workout users at every level.

We are constantly looking for new ways to help our clients to stay motivated and healthy and are incredibly excited to see the new centre up and running.”