Sporting centre for east Manchester kicks off

Main contractor ISG has commenced work on a £11M project to create a new National Speedway Stadium and National Basketball Performance Centre in Manchester.

Procured through North West Construction Hub (NWCH), the Belle Vue Sports Village development is set to transform east Manchester and bolster the international sporting credentials of the city in general.

The scheme includes the partial refurbishment of the existing leisure centre and the provision of two new floodlit 3G artificial grass sports pitches.

A new 6,000 capacity speedway stadium will become the home of the historic Belle Vue Aces team and will feature a 1,842-seat grandstand, including 208 VIP seats.

The new steel-framed grandstand will feature a first floor hospitality area, with function rooms, a bar area and VIP suite overlooking the 343m long track. A ground floor concourse provides additional catering facilities.

ISG will also construct a large pit area for riders and a maintenance yard for the secure storage of plant and equipment.

The project also includes the construction of the new National Basketball Performance Centre boasting a 2,000-seat match court.

Linked to the existing leisure centre, the new National Basketball Performance Centre will be home to community basketball leagues and clubs, as well as national performance teams.

The facility will be housed in a new-build steel framed structure, with modern composite cladding panels to its façade. Constructed to international FIBA level 1 standards, the facility includes three courts with timber sprung flooring.

Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and regeneration Cllr Jeff Smith, said: “After months of planning it’s always a thrill to visit a project at the beginning of construction – especially when it’s as significant a development as this. To welcome two national centres to Manchester at one site is remarkable.

“East Manchester is already an internationally recognised destination for sport and leisure, and Belle Vue Sports Village will only add to that excellent reputation. But it will also stand out on its own and help to transform this part of the city.”