1 October 2008 – for immediate release
One of Aston Villa’s most memorable goalkeepers, Nigel
Spink, visited Aston University’s central Birmingham campus this week
to unveil a new community sports facility.
The football star, who made his name in the 80s as one of Villa’s
most unrivalled goalkeepers and became a member of the England squad,
formally launched the University’s five a side sports pitch to the
public on Wednesday (1st October). The pitch was constructed by O’Brien
Contractors, based in Leamington Spa, through construction procurement
agency Emprima.
The new Gosta Green pitch will provide a temporary replacement for
the Gem Astroturf – a facility that has now been transformed into the
site for phase one of the University’s new £57 million halls of
residence scheme, due to be completed in 2010. Specifically designed
for five a-side matches, the all weather, outdoor synthetic pitch will
be made available to Aston University students and staff, whilst the
new Astroturf – scheduled for completion by
October 2012 - is constructed.
Garry East, Director of Estates and Facilities, Aston University, said:
“We were delighted to invite Nigel onto the campus this week to
unveil the University’s new replacement sports pitch. This new
five-a-side facility has been put in place to ensure staff, students
and the local community are not without a sports pitch whilst the new
larger-scale ground is being constructed.
Mike Kirkman, Head of Sport and Recreation, Aston University, said:
“With a career spanning almost two decades at the University’s local
football club, it seemed very fitting that Nigel should be launching
our new sports facility to the public this week. We enjoyed welcoming
him and look forward to this new pitch becoming a well-used resource
for the University and the community.”
Mick O’Brien Managing Director, O’Brien Contractors, added:
“We relished the challenge of building this facility whilst working
on a live university campus. We used the latest laser technology to
deliver on time and to budget, whilst being sympathetic to the students
and staff on campus. We were delighted to see Nigel Spink kicking off
the first season on the pitch,”
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