The Oxford Sports Complex at Iffley Road is home to Sir Roger Bannister’s sub-four minute mile – one of the most outstanding human achievements of the last century, However, parts of the complex are now nearly as old as his record and the University wants its London 2012 legacy to include facilities that will allow a new generation of Oxonians to break through barriers.
Today, the Oxford Sports Complex is unable to cope with increasing demand, so the University plans to renovate the existing sports hall and to build a second, multi-purpose hall, which will contain a network of activity rooms, multi-use studios and courts, a dedicated fencing salle, a martial arts dojo and a training area for boxing and power lifting. The new indoor space will allow for the renovation of the existing hall, squash courts and gym to take place. This area will include a bar and cafeteria with excellent views of the action.
A spectacular new grandstand is also planned, which will incorporate a projectile hall and the indoor cricket school. The installation of floodlights will illuminate both the Roger Banister Running Track and the football pitch.
The new facilities will enable Oxford to raise the bar of sporting performance and achievement. In particular they will accommodate the myriad of sports that the increasingly international student population demands; will cater for the huge growth in women’s sport; provide full access for athletes with disabilities; enhance Oxford’s status as an MCC University Centre of Excellence for Cricket; and help Oxford play a full part in the wider sporting community of Oxford.
