A Sporting Triumph…Rubb Buildings

The new state of the art Meadowbank Sports Arena, at 70m x 145m and with sidewalls of 9m is currently the largest of its kind in Europe. Designed to bring sports facilities into the 21st Century, this top regional venue situated in Magherafelt in the heart of Mid-Ulster can now provide the widest range of indoor and outdoor sports activities available.

The arena's indoor synthetic surface measures 137m x 70m and provides a consistent playing surface on which a whole host of sporting activities can take place simultaneously. The space can be quickly divided by use of rebound boards which are removable at court positions, for example it can cater for a full size hockey/soccer pitch, plus 4 mini-pitches (all 4 badminton court sized). Rubb’s sophisticated electrical netting system allows the court to be expanded so that the full hall can be used. Alternatively it can also accommodate an indoor 300m track (flat). All of which are complemented with seating for 450 spectators on a first floor gallery located along one sidewall and one gable end.

John McLaughlin, Magherafelt District Council, Chief Executive said, “Rubb Buildings were awarded the contract based upon a number of factors. Following visits to existing projects at Durham Soccarena, West Bromwich Albion FC and Newcastle United FC it was felt that even though the Rubb tender was not the lowest cost, it was technially and structurally superior to the competitors. Coupled with over 30 years of experience and glowing testimonials from customers it was obvious that Rubb’s main objective was to provide and excellent service and a quality product.”

The backbone of a Rubb building is a well engineered structural framing system. Post production hot dip galvanizing of all welded components provides the best corrosion protection in the industry with the truss frame construction creating the platform for the clear span and high vertical walls. The use of white semi translucent roof fabric provides a light, bright airy atmosphere to the building. All services are fully integrated with lighting, ventilation and the dehumidification system providing the perfect sports environment.

The arena features a traditional three level brick and block built amenities facility, comprising of changing rooms, bar, reception, ample storage and a veiwing gallery located on the top floor completed by the main contractor FP McCann. The centre is also fully accessible to wheelchair users and special needs groups.
Outdoors, the new arena offers a 400m, 6 lane synthetic athletics track, facilities for associated field events, sand based soccer and gaelic/rugby pitches; outdoor Astroturf/2 tennis courts, children's play area and pavilion, along with additional car parking. All outdoor facilities are floodlit and offer a secure setting with excellent provision for spectators and visitors.

John McLaughlin commented, “The facility has already generated a great deal of interest in the area and created a greater desire to participate in sporting activities. This has lead to an increase in the numbers attending the coaching sessions, and this with the added benefit of the coaching has created a direct improvement in the skill level of those attending.”

The wide range of sports on offer addresses all the school curriculum activities, parents feel happier for the children to train in this safe structured environment and this has created the added bonus of greater parental participation.

In addition to providing this impressive array of sporting activities, the arena provides Magherafelt City Council with a multi-functional covered building which is open for use 52 weeks of the year in all types of weather and has the flexibility to host exhibitions, regional sports competitions, national tournaments and other events.

The Rubb organisation, with production facilities in Great Britain, Norway and the United States is recognised as a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of relocatable structures and is quality certified to ISO9001: 2000.

Fir more on Rubb Sports Buildings please click [here].