Steel frame completed on Basildon Sporting Village

The steel frame for Essex's premier public sports facility has been completed.

Over 820 tonnes and 5000 pieces of steel work have been erected on site over the last 14 weeks, as the Basildon Sporting Village takes shape.

Water testing has also begun on the county's first 50 metre pool - here the concrete lining of the pool is to be filled with water to test the integrity of the concrete and make sure it is water tight before rendering and tiling takes place. It will take 8 days to fill the pool, with the water is left for two weeks and tested for evaporation levels against a temporary water tight tank.

The Sporting Village, opening in April 2011 will include the first 50 metre swimming pool in Essex and provide facilities for a wide range of sports, including athletics, gymnastics, swimming, trampoline, badminton, netball, basketball, and 5 a side football. It will also boast a regional gymnastics centre, large sports hall, fitness centre, multi purpose studio and climbing wall.

Other facilities include six floodlit five-a-side artificial pitches, meeting and function rooms, a café and car parking.

Cllr Kevin Blake, cabinet member for leisure and the arts, said:
"It seems remarkable at how much work has taken place since the project launched back in October. The steel frame is now completed and demonstrates the true scale of this ambitious project, and shows what a great asset it will be for Basildon and the whole area.

"The Sporting Village will encourage people to lead healthier lifestyles, participate in sport, and inspire the next generation of athletes."

Councillor Stephen Castle, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education and the 2012 Games said: "As construction takes shape it is obvious to see just what a great new facility this will be for the people of the entire county. The range of activities at the Sporting Village will be inspiring, encouraging active lifestyles and a participation in sport. I look forward to its opening in 2011."

The Basildon Sporting Village is being led by Basildon District Council and Basildon Renaissance Partnership and has been supported by funding from Essex County Council, EEDA, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), Sport England and the Veolia ES Cleanaway Pitsea Marshes Trust.

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