Staffordshire University – Sir Stanley Matthews Sports Centre, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

Refurbishment of Existing Sports Hall and Construction of Gymnasium.

Love Build were commissioned by Staffordshire University to provide a design and build solution for the conversion of existing squash courts, offices and changing areas to facilitate the construction of multi-functional studio and a new Gym, which included the design and installation of two Mezzanine floors and two bespoke steel staircases. Our brief was to also refurbish an existing Sports Hall which included a viewing gallery, bespoke sports flooring and specialised sports equipment. The overall project included substantial demolition and a comprehensive temporary works scheme which included a solution to support the existing roof to enable demolition and construction works. Within our design brief, we had to take into consideration the multi-purpose use of both the sports hall and studio.
The sports hall had to accommodate basketball, netball, indoor football, gymnastics, climbing wall, glow in the dark activities and also academic uses such as exams and University enrolment. Our in-house design team paid particular attention to the requirements of each of the above activities when it came to our Mechanical and Electrical design installation. The multi-function studio had to accommodate a range of activities including Yoga, Spinning, Zumba, Group circuit training, boxing together with academic activities. Our brief was to allow the client to have a large open space with the option of reducing into smaller studios when required. To accomplish this, we designed and fabricated on-site, a series of bespoke bi-folding panels which facilitated our client’s requirements. The project was completed in 8 weeks, during the University’s Summer break. Due to the aggressive fast-track programme, elements of the design took place alongside the build. Our in-house design team ensured a quick turnaround on all design requirements, which allowed our construction team to proceed at pace. We succeeded in delivering the project within the client’s budget, incorporating all of their requirements.