Bower and Kirkland has been named as the preferred contractor for a new National Performance Centre for Sport at Heriot Watt University.

The £30m scheme will include a new full-size indoor 3G synthetic pitch for football and rugby use, a nine-court sports hall, grass and synthetic outdoor pitches, as well as a high-performance wing that will include areas for hydrotherapy, strength and conditioning and rehabilitation. Elite changing, office accommodation and a classroom will also be constructed.

Work will commence on site in early 2015, opening its doors in summer 2016. The current facilities at the University, which include the existing Sports Centre and Sports Academy, will also be improved by a new 120-station gym and restaurant area that will open to the general public.

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Welcoming the investment, Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Sport, said: "The National Performance Centre for Sport will complement Scotland's existing excellent sporting facilities, and we can all be pleased with the progress of this extremely significant project.

"Having tremendous facilities is an essential component of Scotland's world-class performance system which delivered so emphatically with Team Scotland's success at Glasgow, and the NPCS will further benefit performance athletes and community participants when it opens in 2016."

Heriot-Watt University Principal, Professor Steve Chapman, added: "This marks the start of big changes for Heriot-Watt and Scotland as the innovative buildings take shape within a parkland setting.

"The design for the Centre has been developed 'around the athlete', providing world class sporting facilities and services that will have a positive impact on the preparation and development of athletes, coaches and volunteers."

Alan Johansen, Regional Director, North East and Scotland, Bowmer & Kirkland, said: "We are extremely proud to have been selected as preferred contractor on such a prestigious project for Scotland and we are looking forward to working with the entire project team."

The centre has been designed by architects Reiach & Hall. The project has been made possible through a partnership of Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Council and sportscotland.

(JP/CD)