We are pleased to announce the completion of a major project at the Leicester Community Sports Arena. The project at Morningside Arena, located on Charter Street, involved the design and construction of a standalone single-storey sports hall facility. The design was in keeping with that of the existing arena that stands on the same site. B&E Boys completed the original project in 2016.
The Morningside Arena project had a duration of 32 weeks. A. structural steel portal frame with Kingspan wall and roof cladding included a feature walkway with zinc effect shingle rainscreen cladding. Curtain walling and steel doors with a ground-bearing slab with perimeter blockwork walls were also included.
Topping Engineers were the Structural Engineers on Morningside Arena project. HSSP Architects also worked alongside B&E Boys. The project was completed ahead of schedule so that the 2022 World Darts Grand Prix could take place at the venue. The event was recently televised on Sky Sports, with Michael van Gerwen eventually emerging victorious over Nathan Aspinall in a thrilling conclusion to the competition.
The initial arena was created to be the new home venue for Leicester Riders Basketball Team. The arena houses 2,500 supporters. Although designed with basketball in mind, the venue can easily accommodate other sports, such as volleyball. As the facilities were designed to meet the guidelines of Sports England, it was a prerequisite that both able-bodied and disabled sports men and women can be accommodated at the arena.
Morningside Arena is committed to the local community it serves. The Leicester Riders Foundation, based at the Arena, is dedicated to in increasing levels of participation in basketball, not just across the city of Leicester but also county-wide. During term-time, weekly sessions are held at the Morningside Arena and in local schools. All-day sessions, open to all abilities for those aged 8-17, are held at the Arena during half-term holidays. Alongside its work to increase participation, the Leicester Riders Foundation also runs programmes for local residents to promote health and well-being.
B&E Boys have a proud history of working on major projects involving the construction of sports facilities. At Moreton Morrell College in Warwickshire, a brand-new sports centre was created. The new building was made with a steel and cladded portal frame. The sports centre was built to accommodate a gym, consisting of basketball and badminton courts, as well as a 5-a side football pitch. Changing facilities were also included in the design. For the Rossall School project in Fleetwood, Lancashire, another new Sports Centre was constructed. The building comprised male and female changing facilities, a viewing gallery, and an indoor sports hall that included a 50m running sprint track. The sports hall has provision got a variety of sports, including indoor hockey and cricket, and basketball. In all, the hall stands at the size of 6 badminton courts.
Other similar projects include Sedbergh School, Philip High School, and Enfield Grammar School. Each of these sports hall projects have come with their own technical and logistical challenges. B&E Boys are always interested in taking on new projects. If you have a project in mind, please get in touch to discuss your needs.