GALLERY | Lancaster University lines up sports centre extension
The 20,000 sq ft expansion of the University’s sports centre, designed by JMArchitects and including a sports hall with seating for 500 spectators, is set to secure planning permission.
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The extension is proposed for the University’s existing sports centre, which was built in 2011 and includes a swimming pool, sports hall, gym, squash courts, and a climbing wall.
This was extended with a further phase, completed earlier this year; this added space on the first floor for a conditioning suite and performance lab.
Designed by JMArchitects, the proposals include a sports hall with spectator seating, adding nearly 20,000 sq ft to existing centre; this has been brought forward to address the University’s “limited facility” for spectators, particularly during the Roses Tournament, the annual competition between Lancaster and York Universities.
Under the plans, there will be provision for around 500 retractable seats in the sports hall. The black-clad, single-storey extension will sit next to the existing red-clad sports building with a new link between the two. Around 100 trees next to the sports hall will have to be removed to make way for the scheme.
The University is set to win consent for the project next week, with Lancaster City Council planning officers recommending the scheme for approval at committee.
Officers said: “The proposed extension to the existing sports centre will improve the local service offer at the University site, to the benefit of those directly using this facility in addition to positive dispersive impacts upon the wider community.
“Although the massing may appear a little disjointed, given the existing Sports Centre’s built form and sympathetic materials, the proposed extension will appear congruent to the existing building.”
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