News | CITYSPACE AT SUNDERLAND UNIVERSITY
Kevin Ludlow is the CitySpace Centre Manager. Kevin was heavily involved in the design of the building and, having seen the plans develop into fruition, now co-ordinates the running of the centre.
He said: “My job is to fill the building. I liaise with academic colleagues and sports development officers in how to make the best use of the building.”
“This is a sports and social building and striking a balance is important. We have incredible facilities here but this is also a place to chill out, relax and socialise. This is the focal point of the campus and we want students to be proud of it.”
Kevin has been delighted with the progress of the building in its first few months. He said: “I am over the moon. The building has been very well received and I’ve been overwhelmed by people’s enthusiasm to use the facilities.”
“We are client led and the feedback we have received has been encouraging. Having CitySpace allows us to do things that we haven’t done before but more importantly have the confidence to try and do them”
Flexibility is a key aspect of the CitySpace building. The Sports Hall can cope with the demands of hosting community run programs such as Street League simultaneously with student clubs and societies.
Kevin said: “This allows the clients on our community programs to take part at the same time as our students. It is a way of introducing clients with problems with everyday life. There is no stigma attached to any group. Everyone is getting involved, and enjoying the facilities on offer in whatever capacity.”
The Sports Hall can also be transformed into a showcourt arena and this is perfect for the upcoming England Netball Showcase game on 2nd February. CitySpace will also be hosting regional badminton tournaments and Varsity against Teesside in March.
This flexibility doesn’t just stretch to venues for different sports. The multi-purpose areas do exactly what they say on the tin and offer a variety of classes from yoga, to spinning to boxerfit.
The City studio is an area where events and presentations can be held. Kevin says: “We have held a number of university open days and formal presentations including St Johns Ambulance First Aid courses. It all ensures that our regular activities are supplemented by a varied mixture of large events and we do this without affecting our regular programs.”
The highlight for CitySpace so far was the BBC North East Sports Awards, which were held on 29 November 2009. The event was a huge success and allowed a lot of students to get involved.
As Kevin said: “Events like that are great and help to raise the profile of the University.”
“But we must ensure that we don’t lose site of the fact that we are a University facility. Regardless of what course students are on there is always something for them to do here that benefits them in terms of experience.”
“On the academic side, we can support delivery of coaching sessions and practical modules relevant to whatever course. We can also help with personal development and our community programs help students with volunteering which is vital for employment and can be a real asset.”
CitySpace is a modern, vibrant and versatile facility which can only benefit the local community. As Kevin says: “Overall, we offer improved student experience with modern up to date facilities. We have created a ‘Home for Sport’, where we can offer a number of initiatives aimed at giving people a vehicle to try something new.”
Article written by David Peddie, SUNEE Journalism Scholar Sunderland University
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