Legendary Bath Rugby and England star Lewis Moody was the guest of honour at a turf-cutting ceremony to mark the start of work on a new state-of-the-art sports centre at Bath’s Prior Park College.
The former flanker, who was part of England’s 2003 World Cup winning side and earned the nickname Mad Dog for the fearless way he played, has been a major supporter of the centre, which is due for completion in February next year.
The £3.1m, 1,800 sq m sports centre will house a fitness suite, changing rooms, additional classrooms and a function suite as well as a spectators’ viewing gallery and balcony overlooking the college’s First XI cricket pitch.
The design and build is being carried out by Swindon-based construction company Beard
Director Marc Bayley said: “Our project team is looking forward to starting on site and applying their extensive experience and knowledge of constructing state-of-the-art sports facilities to this important development.”
Prior Park headmaster James Murphy-O’Connor added: “This is an exciting time for us as we demonstrate our confidence in the future and make a substantial investment in the sporting lives of our students.
“In addition to providing state-of-the-art sporting facilities in keeping with the aspirations of the college, consideration has been given to the sensitive setting in which the sports centre will be located. The architects have therefore designed an exemplary building which is both of its time and in keeping with its historic surroundings.”
Lewis Moody said: “As a Prior Foundation parent I am really excited about the new sports centre, which will have benefits for all three schools within the Prior Foundation.
“I am pleased to offer my support for this project as sport has been such an integral part of my life. I believe it is vital that students are able to gain exposure to a whole variety of sports, and this facility will offer them that.”
Pictured, from left: Mark Savage, Beard pre contract and design manager; Lewis Moody, Andrew Harvey, headteacher at Paragon Junior School; Kate Allenby, teacher at Paragon Junior School; James Murphy-O’Connor, headteacher at Prior Park College and Marc Bayley, director for Beard
