Oxford: Bidwells to project manage first phase of new University sports centre

Bidwells is to project manage phase one of developments at Oxford University’s Iffley Road sports centre, at whose track Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile in 1954. This phase includes the construction of the new Acer Nethercott Sports Hall which has been designed by FaulknerBrowns Architects, a practice with a longstanding track record in the delivery of world-class sports facilities.

Dave Jobbins, project manager at Bidwells, said: “As well as the new four-court sports hall, key features for phase one include new dry changing rooms, refurbishment of the existing wet changing rooms, a reception area, a new café and a multi-purpose sports room." 

The new building will be named after the late Dr Acer Nethercott, the Beijing Olympics silver medallist and Oxford graduate, who coxed the University in the Boat Race three times and led it to victory twice.

John Youle, regional director of Beard, the Oxford construction company which has been chosen as the project’s principal contractor, said: “We are delighted and excited to be associated with the construction of this world-class sports centre.”