The firm behind training facilities for some of the UK’s top football clubs has begun work on Dundee’s £32 million flagship sports performance centre.
Construction of the Caird Park Regional Performance Centre for Sport started in May this year.
The exterior of the huge marquee-like athletics centre is close to completion and Gloucestershire-based company Spatial Structures is preparing to make a start on the fabric pitch.
The company created training facilities for Premier League football clubs such as Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
It has also worked on the University of Exeter Tennis and Netball Centre and a major Somerset equestrian centre – the largest of its kind in Europe.
It will lay a full-sized 66m x 100m pitch at the Dundee centre.
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Construction firm Balfour Beatty is behind the project, which will also feature an 80m running straight and all-weather training area for athletes.
The existing athletics track at the park will be resurfaced and a covered spectator area will be added.
The recently resurfaced velodrome will have a new area of hardstanding provided for competitions, as well as upgraded floodlighting.
Regional High Performance Centre in Dundee on track and within budget! pic.twitter.com/4huaCHvCsk
— Spatial Structures (@SpatialUK) December 17, 2018
Dundee City Council leader and Strathmartine SNP councillor John Alexander welcomed the centre’s progression.
He said: “We are pleased at the very good progress that is being made at the site of the Regional Performance Centre for Sport since work started in May.
“I am sure that this centre will provide huge benefits for the city and its people and reflects our drive to make Dundee a better place for all.
“It will provide top class sporting facilities that will support athletes in their development and help improve the health of our population through participation in sport.”
The multi-million pound project will also include a seven-a-side community grass football pitch with open access.
It will be available for use by Tayside and Fife elite athletes, as well as providing space for nearby clubs and groups.
Sports facilities will cater for football, badminton, basketball, disability sports, netball, track cycling and rugby.
It is currently on track for completion in autumn next year.
