Energy at the Centre
Hull Sports Centre reveals a first-class facility for both team training and individual exercise. Improving environmental performance and establishing a confident new identity, the design delivers an energetic, well-integrated hub within the wider campus. A £17 million investment, the centre brings together a 12-court sports hall and a 120-station gym, supporting sport at every level.
Overview
SPACE Architects worked alongside the University of Hull to support the development of the northern campus, delivering a phased transformation of outdated sports facilities. The aim was to create a modern student recreational hub, with a three-phase redevelopment remodelling the existing Grade II listed 3,000 m² sports centre into a more accessible and contemporary fitness centre. Located alongside open green space within the city campus, the design integrates carefully with its surroundings, complementing nearby student residential and faculty buildings. Responding to the complexities of working within an existing structure, the project delivers a flexible, updated facility that supports a wide range of sports and activities, from team training to individual exercise.
- Year 2020
- Location Hull
- Project Sectors Education
Design Approach
SPACE Architects adopted three key design approaches to guide the scheme and support the University’s wider aspirations. These approaches included applied knowledge, collaboration and innovation. Applied knowledge refers to a design team selected for its extensive skills and knowledge, with the experience required to develop the design brief and scheme. Likewise, collaboration relates to the close working relationship created with the University estates team and sports faculty leadership, with SPACE’s expertise in sports and leisure design and higher education facilities working in synergy with the University’s own knowledge. Innovation was applied throughout the project to provide considered design solutions, such as the unique Trombe wall developed for the south elevation of the new sports hall.
Result
Phase One of the project included the remodelling and refurbishment of the sports pitches, alongside a new 650 m² changing pavilion serving the outdoor pitches north of Inglemire Lane for sports such as football, rugby and hockey. The pavilion provides several changing rooms in line with Football Foundation guidance, along with two teaching rooms for sport and community-related meetings or seminars, supporting preparation ahead of games. The next phase delivered a new 4,500 m² national standard sports hall, with a working gym and modernised supporting accommodation, including a 12-court competition-standard hall with bleacher seating for 750 spectators, a 30-station strength and conditioning gym, and changing facilities.
Finally, Phase Three saw the refurbishment of the existing Grade II listed 3,000 m² sports centre into a new fitness hub. This includes a 120-station gym, remodelled changing areas, additional squash courts, reconfigured first-floor studios for aerobic and multi-use activities, spin studios, a martial arts combat gym, and general M&E improvements. Overall, the project delivers an enhanced sports hub for students and coaches, supporting the development of technical skills and promoting physical health.
“SPACE Architects deserve a great deal of praise for the design, contribution and commitment to the project which has delivered on our vision. We love the design they have created.”
Steve Curtis
Director of Sport at the University of Hull
People
Generating student appeal through state-of-the-art facilitiesPromoting access and use of the sports hub for both students and the local community was a key focus of this project. The facilities were built or refurbished with this in mind, prioritising accessibility, and functionality, and a fundamental aim was to generate a national standard sports hub for the University, comparable to other leading universities. Acting as a beacon of sporting excellence for the region, Hull Sports Centre intends to be a place where people can come together over a shared appreciation for sport and leisure. The new first-class sport facilities have attracted commercial interest, acting as both an event space and host venue for Yorkshire Jets in the Netball Super League.
Planet
Providing natural and sustainable ventilation for clean airEnvironmental design was integral to the scheme, with ventilation a key focus for SPACE Architects. A Trombe wall on the south elevation of the sports hall acts as a passive ventilation strategy, capturing unwanted heat and expelling it in summer, or retaining it in winter to support heating. This provides an efficient solution for a large, open 3,000 m² sports centre.
Place
A sports hub that sits harmoniously within the university campusThe refurbished sports hall was designed to integrate seamlessly into the existing campus and surrounding green spaces. Located within easy walking distance of the main university buildings, the centre sits within an open recreational setting, providing a calm contrast to its natural surroundings. The building has become an attractive addition to the area, coming to life at dusk with a rainbow of colour across its façade.
Credits
- Photography Kristen McCluskie
