The project greatly extended an existing sports pavilion, built in 1950, which contained changing facilities for the adjacent sports pitches plus a small community room above.
The existing facilities were retained as part of the project as they had received a Sports England grant for their internal refurbishment 8 years previously. Various consultations were undertaken with local residents and user groups which determined that a new sports hall plus improved community facilities such as meeting rooms were the most appropriate and popular for the site.
The sports hall was based on the overall size of 4 badminton courts which is similar in size to a five a side football pitch and can also accommodate basketball and cricket nets.
The existing changing facilities on the ground floor were upgraded to cater for the requirements of the sports hall, plus a separate entrance to the adjacent sports pitches was created so could be used independently. In addition, referee and officials changing facilities plus improved provision for disabled users are also accommodated, including a new platform lift and shower area.
The first floor accommodates a large fitness studio with sprung floor for dance classes, plus two independent concessions spaces which can be rented out to the private sector.
The existing single storey building was overclad in masonry to modernise its appearance and upgrade the insulation value whilst making it suitably robust. The first floor extension is clad in horizontal cement boarding which requires minimal maintenance. A double storey brick clad extension houses the new entrance, offices and concessions.
The sports hall is clad with masonry at ground level and robust cladding panels in varying shades of green above that can withstand ball strikes from the adjacent pitches.
The roof is topped with a mix of green roof and flat roof with photovoltaic panels.