FE News | BMet unveils plans for a state-of-the-art inclusive sports center for Greater Birmingham

The state-of-the-art building designed by leading architects, The Space Studio, has been specially planned to address the needs of the disabled and neurodiverse by creating invaluable career pathways and wellbeing. The center will complement the already strong professional sports and university-level courses offered at the college.

The college is seeking funding opportunities to support its vision to create a multi-purpose, inclusive sports and recreation center for the people of the region all year round.

Around 30 employer leaders from key West Midlands organizations came together last week to discuss and view BMet’s plans to develop the innovative hub and pledge their financial and in-kind support to the initiative.

During the event, there was also a tour of the predetermined space, which is currently an old gym. To upgrade the area into a new accessible and innovative space – which will include gyms with specialist equipment (to meet different needs), zoned areas, a cafe, a learning space, a staff room, escape spaces and sensory spaces – will be worked on. it cost around £6.5 million.

Here’s what some employees had to say about BMet’s vision and potential impact:

Peter Connelly, Director of Sport, Aston University: “This is a hugely ambitious and inspiring project which will have a phenomenal impact for people with visible and invisible disabilities. It is a fantastic initiative which will have an incredible impact in the Greater Birmingham area.”

Helen Miles, BMet Governor: “I was very encouraged to be around the positive atmosphere at the meeting to support BMet’s impressive and bold plans for a truly inclusive sports facility in the region.”

Chloe Williams – part of the UHB Employer Committee for Sport, Physiotherapist in Neuroscience and BMet Sport and Exercise Science Graduate: “Coming here has been hugely beneficial and I can see the potential for invaluable change that will help and support students and people in the community with disabilities and neuro-diversities. With the new facilities available there is room for so much growth through the acquisition of job-ready and transferable skills. I’m excited to see how I can get involved.”

During the launch of the event, several BMet students from the Pan Disability football team also spoke about their positive experience of winning the AOC National Championship Awards and how sport has helped them.

BMet has an ongoing commitment to improving the future of its students by joining forces with community initiatives that reflect the vision. Being a key sponsoring partner with the 2022 Commonwealth Games – with sole responsibility for volunteer training has enabled students, staff and community members to be involved in a variety of roles.

Suzie Branch-Haddow, Deputy Director – External Development continued: “This will be a truly inclusive space and is a transformative enterprise that has the power to fill critical gaps in the region and benefit Greater Birmingham in general. We are so delighted that the initial reaction from local employers has been so overwhelmingly positive and we look forward to creating this fantastic space for the city.”