De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has just unveiled a £5million plan to turn its former John Sandford Sports Centre into an events venue capable of hosting events for close to 1,000 people.

The main hall, which was previously used for football, basketball and other sports, will contain foldaway ‘Bleacher’ seating as well as folding partitions which will allow the hall to be split up for events of a variety of sizes. The arched roof of the main sports hall will remain intact while a new entrance will be added and the outside of the venue will be clad in wood panelling to fit in with the surroundings.

De Montfort University envisage the hall being used to host awards ceremonies and conferences, fashion shows, careers events, fairs and examinations. It will also revert back to a sports venue for students.

The hall will be equipped with kitchens and other catering facilities for large-scale banquet-style events and ceremonies.

The Sandford Sports Centre stands on Western Boulevard, next to DMU’s QEII Leisure Centre in Leicester.

Details:   www.dmu.ac.uk