£2.9m investment in ‘Queen Elizabeth II annex’ and new sports facilities

The Queen Elizabeth II Sports Annex at the Bayside Sports Centre was officially opened yesterday and will bring Gibraltar up to scratch with UEFA standards. The annex will also provide space for a media centre, VIP lounge and a TV studio. This is the final stage of the four-stage project at the Bayside Sports Centre undertaken by Sharrock Shand Ltd.

Chief Minister Fabian Picardo alongside Governor Lieutenant General Edward Davis and Minister for Sport Steven Linares inaugurated the new facility yesterday.

The sports annex and other facilities, such as the stay and play area have come at a cost of £2.9million. The annex includes a first aid room, doping control room, changing rooms, press conference room, a bar, and a match official’s office.

“It is a pleasure to see these new facilities ready,” Mr Picardo said.

“We are about to see the first round of friendly matches of the Gibraltar Football Association who will be able to enjoy these facilities.”

He added that the new facilities could be used by all sports and asked people to “spare a thought” for the Gibraltar Sports and Leisure Authority [GSLA] who work hard to provide these facilities.

Lt Gen Davis said this was a wonderful facility which had clearly been accomplished on time and a “great success”.

“This is just another demonstration of the Government of Gibraltar’s commitment to giving the people of Gibraltar the facilities they want and deserve. It is a great thing to see and I am very proud to be here.”

The annex has been named after Queen Elizabeth II who will celebrate her 90th birthday next month. The multi-purpose facility can be used by any sporting organisation requiring access to such resources.

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