By Lily Thake
Sports teams and societies gathered to celebrate the opening of a new DMU student facility, The Watershed, this Monday.
Vice Chancellor of De Montfort University, Professor Dominic Shellard officially invited DMU’s 100-plus societies to use the space, on November 2 at 12pm.
In his opening speech, Professor Shellard said: “I think this is a massive opportunity to hand over to DSU much better space for sports, for societies. There’s going to be a common room and masses of meeting rooms.”
As a former youth centre, The Watershed was sold to DMU, following a deal with mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, in March 2015 and cost almost £1 million.
After Mr Shellard’s speech the ribbon, tied at the entrance of The Watershed, was cut by the President of the Rowing Club, Jack Laugher.
The opening is particularly good news for Mr Laugher and his club, as the space provides indoor facilities equal to any major rowing university in the UK.
Mr Laugher said: “The Rowing club is doing so well but we are restricted by a lack of facilities. To have our own indoor space in this venue is huge for us.”
Visitors were supplied with free snacks, given a tour around the building, and a chance to view the Rowing Club’s live indoor action on the machines.
A comments box was also supplied for visitors to give opinions on what the empty second floor space should be used for.
Leighton James, Secretary of the Hockey Team, said: “This is pushing the university in the right direction and although the venue is mainly setup for the Rowing Club, it can be utilised for other sports teams like us.”
He added: “It will be especially great to house our new indoor hockey.”
The building is situated just off Upperton Road, near the River Soar, Leicester and has a sports hall, common room, office space, changing rooms and meeting rooms.
The interior can be used by DMU societies for activities and meetings, catering for numerous sports such as indoor cricket, netball, basketball and volleyball.
Jade Bolton, Secretary of DMU Saints cheerleading team, said: “We are appreciative of the new space and so grateful.
“It’s important to come to the event and show the people who opened it that we appreciate the venue and the work they have put in to get it here at DMU.”
