In Pictures: First look inside Caledonia Gladiators’ new stadium
Architects at Holmes Miller have unveiled plans for Caledonia Gladiators’ new multi-million-pound stadium.
Scotland’s only pro basketball franchise, owned by businessman Steve Timoney and his wife Alison, has released a range of CGIs of its top-of-the-range arena, based at Playsport Scotland leisure complex in East Kilbride.
The images of the 1,600-seater temporary arena include artist’s impressions of the club’s new court, and Saltire-branded stands.
The CGIs also offer a glimpse of the new fan zone, which has seated eating areas for supporters and big-screen TVs showing the courtside action.
The stadium renovation will be finished in the coming weeks. It is the first stage of a £20 million stadium project – the largest single investment in Scottish basketball history.
Work will then begin developing the main project, a new state-of-the-art purpose-built 6,000-seater arena and practice and community facility at the site.
Steve said: “We’re really proud of how the new stadium is coming together, and pleased to able to share CGIs with supporters of how impressive it will look once completed.
“It’s a hugely exciting time, with a hive of activity at the club as the final touches are put on the arena, and everyone can’t wait for fans to experience the new stadium in the flesh next month.
“We’re confident Playsport will be one of the finest basketball facilities in Europe once the final project is completed, and this stadium is a key part of those plans.”
Video credit: Caledonia Gladiators/Holmes Miller
The Gladiators have ambitious plans for the next stage of the project, and ultimately the home of Team GB.
With the development of a world-class training academy, the club aims to welcome young players from across Scotland and around the globe to its state-of-the-art gym facilities, accommodation area and physio suites.
Talks are also underway to see the facility used for music concerts and conferences, filling the gap in the wider Glasgow area for mid-to-large-sized arenas.
Holmes Miller will continue to work with the Gladiators in the coming months on the second stage of the club’s arena.
Ethan Kennedy, architect at Holmes Miller, said: “Basketball is a rapidly growing sport in the UK, and the Caledonia Gladiators have grand ambitions for their new home as a centre for Scottish basketball.
“We have been working tirelessly in partnership with the club to help bring these aspirations to fruition as quickly as possible.
“Through Holmes Miller’s extensive experience in sports architecture, and our work alongside event venues such as the SEC Hydro, we have been able to develop creative solutions in reusing the existing vacant spaces of Playsport.
“The team is especially proud of the new fan zone space that will be unique to this type and scale of venue and will offer an excellent fan experience and added value to the club.”