Eight squash courts feature in a spectacular new five-storey ‘sports cathedral’ in the Brazza district of Bordeaux next to the Garonne river.

The UCPA Sport Station opened its doors on Saturday (13 May) and features a mixture of sport, physical activity, fun games and technology set over 1,400 square metres – including golf on the glass roof!

As well open-air golf putting and driving, the centre has seven padel courts alongside its squash centre, three ‘escape games’, climbing facilities and an extensive fitness and wellness studio with a wealth of classes.

There is a rooftop bar, three seminar rooms and four saunas, all open 7am-7pm and presided over by 50 members of staff.

The futuristic venue has ensured that each sport is not ‘siloed’ from the next, with clear visibility between each section – and incredible views throughout overlooking the Chaban Delmas Bridge and the Cité du Vin.

“While sports activities are generally compartmentalized by disciplines, levels or categories, the UCPA removes all barriers and opens up spaces,” says the UCPA website.

UCPA CEO Guillaume Légaut says the aim is to “decompartmentalise sports disciplines in the establishment” by allowing the member to move easily from golf to padel or fitness. “This pluralistic logic is at the heart of the building,” he adds.

The Bordeaux project is part of a suite of urban sports venues built by the UCPA group in partnership with the Caisse des Dépôts-Banque des territoires. They have invested 23 million euros into the centre.

Its squash centre includes introductory courses, coaching and competitions and will cater for anyone over three years old. It has the approval of the French Squash Federation.

Notably, the building is made of carbon-free concrete and has no facades. Where you may expect walls, there are only water-repellent nets to shelter from rain and wind. Half the building is exposed to the elements and unheated.

“We worked on the concept of accepted sobriety: how far our members are able to go in ecology, without sacrificing the comfort of practice,” said site director Céline Cluzel.