Derby’s first multi-sport arena has opened

The Derby Arena, the first new-build velodrome to be constructed in England since the 2012 Olympics, has been opened.

Utilising 700t of structural steelwork, the arena also accommodates facilities for community sport and fitness, including a 12 court badminton courts and a gym.

Derby Arena will primarily serve as a sporting venue but it will also host cultural events, exhibitions, product launches and conferences. This new flexible, column free space is designed to hold up to 5,000 spectators for both sporting and non-sporting events.

Main contractor for the project was Bowmer & Kirkland and the steel was fabricated, supplied and erected by Billington Structures.

Arup was appointed by Derby City Council to provide civil, structural, mechanical, electrical geotechnical engineering, as well as transportation, acoustics and fire consultancy services on the project.

Arup Midlands Group Associate Director, Buildings John Read said: “Derby Arena has been a great project to work on, with a very collaborative and enthusiastic team. This has enabled a high quality facility to be delivered on time and budget, which will be a fantastic catalyst for sporting activity in the region”.

The project has been shortlisted for this year’s prestigious Structural Steel Design Awards which will be announced in July.