Leicestershire-based development technical consultants, M-EC, has worked alongside Leicester Riders, HSSP Architects and selected contractor, C3 Construction, to secure planning for a 1,200 metre squared extension at Morningside Arena.
Home to the Leicester Riders basketball squad, the Morningside Arena is the largest indoor venue in the city, with a capacity for up to 3,000 people. It stages many national and international sporting and cultural events and acts as a community sports arena.
The extension will increase the Arena’s basketball capacity from three courts to five. By adding two outdoor courts and an exhibition hall, it will create the largest basketball facility in the country in a bid to become the home of UK basketball. Match-day, outdoor catering facilities were also included in the plans, further enhancing the basketball fans’ experience.
M-EC delivered a Transport Statement, Vehicle Tracking and Access Designs in the project pre-planning stages, as well as detailed levels design for the Car Park to ensure the levels did not increase in height within the Flood extents from the adjacent River, and detailed Surface Water Drainage Design.
Tim Rose, director at M-EC, 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 1,200m² 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 facilitate access into the car park.
