How Cambridge's University's sports complex will look
Plans for the ?16 million first phase of Cambridge University?s long-awaited sports centre have been approved today.
Designs for the domed complex on the West Cambridge campus off Madingley Road were likened to Sydney Opera House, because of fins which will let daylight into the main hall, and won backing despite concerns about harm to the green belt.
Construction will commence within the next three months and it is hoped the centre, which will be available for public use, will open in summer 2013.
At a meeting of the city council?s planning committee, resident Jackie Meeks said the building was too tall.
She said: ?We remain concerned some visual aspects of the building, particularly its height, will adversely affect the green belt of the city, and vistas from the Wimpole Way.?
Cllr Damien Tunnacliffe, who represents West Chesterton, said there should be a landmark building.
He said: ?I do really feel this is an opportunity lost ? something as important as this centre should have the wow effect, and this doesn?t.?
But Karen Pearce, assistant director of physical education at Cambridge University, said the designs complied with the masterplan for the West Cambridge campus.
She said: ?The design has been driven by a desire to create a truly modern, safe and motivational environment for users.
?We feel it would be a really positive addition to sports facilities in the city.?
The first phase will comprise the main sports hall, a weights room, five squash courts and a fitness suite, while a swimming pool and tennis hall will follow.
Petersfield?s Cllr Kevin Blencowe praised the ?character? of the finned design, and Castle?s Cllr John Hipkin said concerns about the green belt were unfounded.
He said: ?I take the view that if buildings are finely designed and the architecture is of a high quality, far from concealing them, they should be open to display.
?This is a fine building, the part that will be exposed is the fin section which has a rhythm that is very pleasing.?
The application was approved by seven votes to one.
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