3 November 2008

University approves £1.65million improvement to sports facilities

The University of Dundee has approved a £1.65million improvement to its existing sports facilities, which will see the creation of two new artificial pitches at Riverside Sports Grounds.

The University is also refurbishing the changing accommodation and upgrading the grass pitches at Riverside. In addition the tennis courts, which are sited on the main campus, will be resurfaced and upgraded to competition standard.

The investment follows the completion of the £4million extension to the Institute of Sports and Exercise (ISE), which has provided the University with some of the most extensive and modern facilities of their kind in the region, including a state-of-the-art strength and conditioning centre.

'This additional investment by the University will make a real difference to our student sports clubs by giving them excellent facilities on which to play and practice,' said Brian Ewing, Director of ISE.

'In particular the creation of the floodlit artificial pitches at Riverside fills a need not just for the University but for the wider community, where there is an identified need for more surfaces just like this.'

'Together with the new facilities we have provided on the main campus, this investment ensures that students at Dundee will have access to some of the finest sports provision in the country.'

One of the artificial pitches will be a sand-dressed surface to accommodate the University Hockey Club and the training and competition requirements of the local hockey community.

The other pitch will have a state-of-the-art '3G' FIFA approved artificial surface and, as well as providing an outstanding surface for football, will also provide an ideal training facility for rugby, Gaelic sports and lacrosse. This surface will be the only one of its kind in the City and surrounding area and will add significantly to the overall facility provision in the region.

'The Sports Union is delighted that the University have approved the upgrade in facilities at Riverside and the campus tennis courts,' said student Paul Blake, President of the Sports Union at the University.

'The addition of a sand dressed surface at Riverside will accommodate our five hockey teams as they compete in the British Universities and local Leagues. The 3G Surface will ensure that clubs can continue to train for competition throughout the year.'

'The Sports Union is working with ISE to create a culture of Sport and the upgrade in facilities will serve to enhance the student experience and bring a sense of pride in representing the University of Dundee.'

The extended facilities at ISE on the main campus have proved hugely popular with students and staff. The quality of the facilities has already been recognised with the London 2012 Organising Committee making the University an accredited London 2012 Pre-Games Training Venue.

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk