2012 Olympic stadium builder appointed to £116m cycling venue to be used for the Commonwealth Games

Sir Robert McAlpine has been appointed to build the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The contractor has been named preferred bidder for the £116m project to build a sports arena and velodrome in the east end of Glasgow. While not being constructed specifically for the Commonwealth Games, the venue will be one of those used for the event.

The indoor arena will have room for 5,000 spectators while the velodrome, named after Scottish Olympic gold medallist Chris Hoy, will seat 2,000 spectators with room for a further 500 standing.

2014 Glasgow National Indoor Sports Arena
Credit: Inlightin 3D Visualisation Studio 2008
The velodrome and arena that Sir Robert McAlpine will build

While the arena and velodrome buildings have been designed by architect 3D Reid, the track itself is being designed by Ralph Schuermann, designer of the 2008 Olympic velodrome track in Beijing.

The construction project will require a total workforce of 200, including 20 new apprenticeship places.

Councillor Steven Purcell, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “The National Indoor Sports Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome will be world-class venues able to attract sporting competitions of the highest standard to Glasgow, as well as providing a fantastic community facility that presents the chance and challenge to improve health and fitness levels.

“The design and construction of this state-of-the-art facility will offer employment, training and skills opportunities to local people, and will be a real asset for the city and country for decades to come.”

The contract win is another sporting success for Sir Robert McAlpine, also main contractor for the 2012 Olympic stadium in London.