Three regional firms are working on the plans to extend the Leicester Riders Morningside Arena into the biggest of its kind Britain.
Work has started adding another 4,000 sq ft to the basketball team’s home just outside the city’s inner ring road.
Planning was gained earlier this year with backing from Coalville-based development technical consultants M-EC, Melton-based HSSP Architects and contractor C3 Construction, which is based in Whetstone.
The arena is already the biggest indoor venue in the city, with a capacity for up to 3,000 people, staging national and international sporting and cultural events.
The expansion will not increase the venue’s 3,000 person capacity – but it will make it more flexible for use, and the work is scheduled to be completed later this year.
It will increase the basketball capacity from three courts to five. It will also add two outdoor courts and an exhibition hall, creating the biggest basketball facility in the country and helping the club’s bid to become the home of UK basketball.
Outdoor catering facilities for match days have also been included in the plans.
M-EC delivered a transport statement, vehicle tracking and access designs in the project pre-planning stages, as well as a detailed levels design for the car park to ensure it did not flood from the nearby River Soar, as well as drawing up a detailed surface water drainage design.
M-EC director Tim Rose said: “We were pleased to be instructed on this local project, working alongside the wider project team.
“The team included HSSP Architects, with whom we have a good working relationship, having worked together on a number of previous projects. We were delighted with the successful planning outcome for the 1,200 M² extension, which following completion, will enhance the sports arena for the people of Leicester to enjoy.
“We continue to work on this project following planning approval, and we are looking forward to seeing the project come to fruition.”
Post planning, M-EC continues to support the project team with civil engineering consultancy, continued drainage and levels work and Section 278 works assessments, where changes are required to Memory Lane to get access into the car park.
