ALTHLETICS CENTRE OFF TO FLYING START WITH HOWE GREEN ACCESS PANELS

A new Athletics Centre has got off to a flying start thanks to a range of innovative floor access panels from leading specialist flooring solution manufacturer Howe Green.

Located in Enfield, North London, The Lee Valley Athletics Centre is a major new training venue for the capital and the South East. The facility is the largest indoor and outdoor athletics centre in the region, housing an indoor 200 metre track, a 130 metre sprint straight, seating for 500 spectators both inside and out and full jumps and throws capacity. In addition, the centre houses physiotherapy and strength and conditioning rooms.

Designed by David Morley Architects, the centre makes the maximum use of natural light and ventilation - thereby saving energy and creating the optimum training environment for athletes. To provide safe and unobtrusive access to essential floor based building services located throughout the complex, Howe Green’s 7500 series aluminium access covers were chosen.

Purpose designed for a variety of different floor finishes, the heavy duty and tamper-resistant covers have the capability to cope with heavy pedestrian traffic. Designed to sit flush with the floor to prevent any trips, they provide quick, easy and safe access to the concealed services underneath. Double-sealed to meet the highest standards of hygiene and security, they are also corrosion and maintenance-free. With a modern yet unobtrusive design, the covers were the perfect solution for the new centre.

Each panel was individually manufactured by Howe Green to the exact requirements of both the flooring and building services contractors. Using the latest manufacturing techniques, Howe Green is able to offer specifiers and contractors individually produced panels without the high costs normally associated with bespoke products.

The panels can also be easily adapted to suit the needs of the building. In the case of The Lee Valley Athletics Centre’s a number of the access covers were also fitted with power sockets.

The £16 million Centre has been funded by £4 million from the DCMS Capital Modernisation Fund, £7 million from Sport England (via the National Lottery), and £5 million secured by UK Athletics and the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA). The centre was officially opened by Culture Secretary and Olympic Minister Tessa Jowell.

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