University News Last updated 28 May
BCU has released the first designs for a landmark new sports facility that is set to transform beach volleyball performance in the UK.
Comprising of four courts, the all-weather national training centre will be built on Birmingham City University’s (BCU) Moor Lane site.
Designed to support England’s elite beach volleyball programme, the facility will be the first of its kind in Europe, enabling year-round training regardless of weather conditions.
Construction will begin once final planning is approved, with completion due this autumn.
Purpose-built for elite performance, the centre reuses sand and infrastructure from the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where England’s Javier and Joaquin Bello clinched bronze.
“We are delighted to be in a position where work is expected to start imminently after we have worked through some site complexities that have delayed the original timescale slightly,” said Volleyball England Chief Executive Charlie Ford.
“Seeing these images and having met with staff from BCU, who are equally excited about this project as we are, it really brings home what a seminal moment this is for beach volleyball in this country.
“In years gone by, it’s been difficult to have a joined-up approach without a facility that can bring together our most talented players to train regularly, but that will soon now be a reality... and we can’t wait!”
BCU’s Sport Development Officer Phil Llewellyn said: “BCU is delighted to have partnered with Volleyball England on this unique project. We believe it provides a genuine legacy to the city, the West Midlands, and the UK.
“Providing a high-performance environment for talented student athletes is a core part of BCU Sport’s ethos. We strongly believe this project will provide opportunities across the spectrum, from high level performance all the way through to the local community.
“We are as excited as Volleyball England to get the centre open and start engaging the athletes using our world class sports science support based at Alexander Stadium. We also want to give local people the chance to take part in completely new sport.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication on the project so far and we look forward to the centre opening ready for the new academic year.”
Backed by BCU, Sport England, Volleyball England, and the FIVB Empowerment Fund, the venue will level the playing field for UK athletes, allowing them to train year-round.
The facility is part of Volleyball England’s long-term ambition to produce future Olympians and elevate the UK’s presence on the World and European Tours.