A new £40 million sports complex has been unveiled at the University of Southampton and is set to be the largest gym in the city.

Wednesday’s plaque unveiling event marked the official opening of the new Jubilee Sport and Recreation Centre at the university.

The centre boasts a state-of-the-art gym, featuring 200-plus stations, making it one of the largest gyms in Southampton.

President and Vice chancellor at the University of Southampton, Mark E. Smith and former student and Paralympian Adam KnottPresident and Vice chancellor at the University of Southampton, Mark E. Smith and former student and Paralympian Adam Knott (Image: NQ) Included in the gym are 20 squad racks, a number of weighted machines such as the chest press, shoulder press and hamstring curl machine as well as a number of cardio machines.

The complex also features:

  • Three new squash courts, perfect for both casual players and competitive athletes
  • Four new fitness studios designed to host the latest exercise classes
  • A Technogym indoor cycling studio featuring the latest bikes and interactive training sessions
  • A dedicated climbing and bouldering wall perfect for climbers of all skill levels

President and vice chancellor at the University of Southampton, Mark E. Smith, said: “This world class facility has been designed with inclusivity at its core.

“We have equipped it with the latest adaptive sports equipment, ensuring that people of all abilities can train, compete and thrive.

“Our commitment to inclusivity reflects our broader mission to create a campus where everyone feels valued and empowered.”

At the plaque unveiling on September 18, attendees were able to hear from former University of Southampton student and Paralympian, Adam Knott.

Adam represented Great Britain in the 2012 Paralympic Games, playing Goalball.

He added: “This really is a fantastic upgrade and twice the size of the sports centre that I got to use when I first joined the University of Southampton in 2013.

“This is a state-of-the-art sports facility that I know will give every student the opportunity to get involved and improve their own physical and mental wellbeing.”

The centre extension has been designed as a hub for use by our staff, students and the local community.

Other attendees at the grand opening included Mark Craig, regional managing director of Wates Construction, who were the contractors responsible for the new building.