A NEW sports complex for Clifton College has taken a major step forward.
The contractors, architects and the project team visited the site at Beggar Bush Lane, Abbots Leigh, for a topping out ceremony to celebrate that the Chellaram Sports Centre is officially watertight.
The centre will have an eight-court hall for netball, team basketball, and badminton amongst other sports as well as hospitality and catering facilities.
It will replace the previous indoor sports dome, which is outdated and not fit for purpose. The college says the development is the most significant improvement to the sports site since 2012.
The new building, which will include seating for spectators, will meet current energy and sustainability standards, including BREEAM Excellent.
The centre is due to be available for use by both the college and community groups and schools at the start of the new academic year in September.
The sports complex has been made possible thanks to a donation by former pupil Mr Lel Chellaram, a shipping entrepreneur, and the Chelleram Foundation, which he founded.
The college says that his benefaction was one of the largest gifts in the recent history of public schools.
On a donations board in the college The Foundation is listed has having made a gift in excess of £250,000.
Mark Dudgeon, director at Speller Metcalfe, said: “We’re delighted that the new Chelleram Sports Complex is officially watertight.
“The team has worked hard to achieve this milestone in spite of the challenging weather conditions over the past few months and we’re pleased that the scheme is still on track to complete in September.”