Upfront the building and bring all its component parts together. This structure projects 18m outwards above the curved glazed facade of the velodrome, adding further drama to this majestic landmark.
Flexible facilities
The dramatic cantilevered overhang which runs continuously along the roof, helps to unify the building
open its doors as a showpiece venue for the Commonwealth Games, funded by the Scottish Government and other partners. Not only is the arena an excellent venue for the 2014 Games, it is also a world-class
venue for Glasgow, creating a legacy for the rest of Scotland for years to come.” Glasgow Councillor Matheson adds: “This is a truly world-class venue that will be the new home of indoor sport in Scotland. The arena was built for the people of Glasgow…. and by investing in new facilities such as this we will help inspire a generation to become more involved in sport. We can’t wait to see the arena filled with local people and elite athletes alike over the coming months and years.”
■
State-of-the-art facilities in the arena and velodrome include a 200m long hydraulic running track, telescopic seating to allow good sightlines for spectators, a 250m high-banked indoor cycle track with a multi-use in-field area, and space to erect additional temporary seating. The scheme also incorporates a community sports centre, four flood-lit five-a-side pitches, a 1km outdoor cycle track, and an indoor roller sports facility. This project is the product of an entirely different brief to London’s Olympic Velodrome, which was an iconic, sculptural form. Glasgow’s velodrome complex has a simpler geometric arrangement which encloses a multi-purpose facility. It has a functional ingenuity that will provide both a vital and well used community resource and a world class venue to inspire future generations of sports people and deliver a genuine sporting legacy for the city. The Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison, says: “It’s amazing to see the arena
www.wicona.co.uk
Fact File
The curtain walling spans four storeys on the hub block that links the two sporting venues
12 Public Sector Build Journal
Client: Glasgow City Council Project Managers: Davis Langdon Architects: 3D Reid Main contractor: Sir Robert McAlpine Facade system: Wicona Facade contractor: Dane Architectural