New sports center RUG, Hanze University of Applied Sciences and ACLO is being designed by AGS Architects

New sports center RUG, Hanze University of Applied Sciences and ACLO is being designed by AGS Architects

The University of Groningen, Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen and the ACLO have further developed their plans for a sustainable and multifunctional sports center on the Zernike Campus. The sustainable and contemporary sports complex (approximately 12.500 m2 GLA) is designed by AGS Architects. It will be located directly north of the existing sports complex from 1967, which has been in need of replacement for years. It does not meet today's sports technical and energy standards; The capacity is also not sufficient for the current number of athletes.

Multifunctional sports facilities
The future sports center offers a wide range of sports facilities. The existing three sports halls will be replaced by halls that, in terms of size and possibilities, are even better suited to contemporary sports use. In addition, the space for fitness and spinning has been doubled, there will be an extra squash court and the climbing wall will be expanded. What is also new are 'outdoor changing rooms' and storage areas that are more user-friendly for outdoor sports users. Furthermore, existing facilities such as the dojo, dance hall with mirror wall, rooms for sports education and group sports lessons, changing rooms, catering with terrace, multifunctional space and offices are included in the plans. “At ACLO, we are extremely happy that we have been able to realize more capacity, so that our sports offering can finally grow with the now more than 20.000 athletes and the 50 student sports associations,” says ACLO chairman Ines Krekels.

Impression of possible new Sports Center (AGS Architects)

Functional, sustainable and inclusive
The new sports center strives for high quality and functionality standards, so that it is suitable for sports at various levels. Sustainability is central, with a smart and compact building design, optimally insulated facades and the use of circular building materials. To create a comfortable, pleasant and healthy building, optimal performance is required for acoustics, air circulation and the indoor climate. The design must integrate measures against heat stress and promote nature-inclusive construction, so that the sports center fits in with the biodiversity and natural values ​​along the Reitdiep. When designing the new sports center, a lot of attention is paid to inclusive design, so that we create a sports environment where everyone can participate. RUG director Hans Biemans explains: “We want to create a lively sports center here on the Zernike Campus that serves as an inviting meeting place where students and employees feel comfortable. With the improved sports facilities, we simultaneously promote a healthy lifestyle and stimulate a sense of belonging in our academic community.”

Getting society moving

The sports center will also be used intensively during the day by the Institute for Sports Studies of the Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen. “We look forward to being able to use the new facilities for our sports courses in the future, in addition to the sports opportunities for all our students and employees,” says Dick Pouwels, chairman of the Executive Board of Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen. “By training students for various roles within the sports sector, we want to contribute to a healthier and more active society. We also conduct research that can lead to innovations in the field of sports technology, nutrition, training methods and health interventions. As a result, we want to offer more and more people – regardless of age, physical disability and talent level – the opportunity to exercise with pleasure and responsibly.”

Schedule
From the tender, a basic design by AGS Architects from Amsterdam was chosen. These plans will be further developed within the design team next year. The design plans are expected to be completed by the end of 2024, after which the construction phase is planned to start in 2025 at the location north of the current sports complex. Construction is estimated to take approximately two years. After completion of the new construction, the athletics strip and the football field that have to make way for the construction, together with the padel and beach volleyball fields, will be given a place on the green forecourt of the sports center.

Involved parties

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