World-class sports and education environment for the next generation

CLIENT: Loughborough College
VALUE: £9.91m
CONTRACT: JCT Design and Build 2016
ARCHITECT: Bond Bryan
COMPLETION: October 2025

Stepnell has successfully delivered a state-of-the-art sports and learning facility for Loughborough College, supporting the College’s ambition to remain at the forefront of sports education and academic excellence.

Officially opened following a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the Mayor of Charnwood and College sporting alumni, the new £9.91m development forms a key part of Loughborough College’s wider £35m campus investment programme.

Project overview

Designed to provide students with unparalleled access to elite training environments and modern teaching spaces, the new Sports Centre delivers 2,750m² of accommodation over three storeys, combining specialist sports facilities with flexible learning environments.

Constructed by Stepnell under a Design and Build contract, the project was funded by the Department for Education’s Further Education Capital Transformation Fund (FECTF) and delivered adjacent to live college buildings, requiring careful planning to minimise disruption during term time.

A key highlight of the facility is the Performance and Recovery Centre (PaRC), a sector-leading resource supporting the College’s sport degree programmes awarded by Loughborough University.

Facilities delivered

• Sports hall designed to accommodate a 40m x 20m Premier League-standard handball court, with flexibility for badminton, basketball, netball and volleyball
• Strength and conditioning suite and cardiovascular training rooms
• Modern classrooms and teaching spaces
• Changing and staff facilities
• External 30m x 3m running track
• Performance and Recovery Centre (PaRC)

The challenge

The project was delivered on a busy, operational college campus, adjacent to occupied buildings with high pedestrian footfall. Maintaining safety, minimising disruption to learning, and working around exam timetables were critical requirements.

In addition, ground conditions encountered during construction differed from initial investigations, requiring swift and collaborative problem-solving to avoid programme delay or budget impact.

The scheme was also subject to strict cost control requirements due to the conditions of Department for Education funding, placing emphasis on predictability of cost, programme certainty and robust quality assurance.

Our solution

Stepnell’s pre-construction team worked closely with the College and design consultants to clarify scope, resolve technical queries and develop a robust, fully compliant tender. Early supply chain engagement, buildability assessments and value engineering ensured cost certainty and programme alignment from the outset.

A fabric-first approach was adopted to maximise thermal efficiency and reduce long-term energy consumption, supporting the College’s sustainability objectives.

To manage the live campus environment:

• Noisy and disruptive works were scheduled during holidays and weekends
• Exam timetables were integrated into the construction programme
• A carefully planned site compound was installed on a sports pitch using a reinforced cell-web system, allowing heavy loading while protecting the ground beneath

When unforeseen ground conditions were identified, Stepnell adopted a transparent, ‘no surprises’ approach—working collaboratively with the client and design team to adapt the piling strategy and maintain momentum without wholesale redesign.

Lawford Bespoke Joinery

Lawford Bespoke Joinery delivered a range of bespoke joinery and acoustic solutions for the Sports and Learning Facility, enhancing both performance and aesthetics throughout the building.

A standout feature is the oak-faced birch plywood wall panelling within the sports hall, CNC-machined with over 11,500 precision perforations per panel to achieve Class C acoustic performance. This significantly reduces reverberation and improves sound clarity, creating an optimal environment for both training and teaching.

Additional works included IPS ducting and vanity units, bespoke oak iPad housings, TV screen protectors and Accoya external seating, all designed and crafted to meet the project’s high technical requirements and architectural standards.

Step Energy

Supporting Loughborough College’s sustainability ambitions, Step Energy delivered a high-performance solar PV installation as part of the wider development.

The system comprises 76 Aiko and Trina panels, including a south-facing flat roof array alongside a vertical array mounted to the plant area façade. Together, the installation is forecast to generate approximately 29,300 kWh of renewable electricity per year.

SolarEdge technology was incorporated to provide panel-level monitoring, SafeDC™ protection and advanced fault detection, ensuring long-term safety, operational efficiency and peace of mind. The PV system contributes to the project’s BREEAM Very Good aspirations while helping to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.

Social value and community impact

Delivering meaningful social value was a key focus throughout the project. Working closely with Loughborough College and local partners, Stepnell delivered:

• 79.9% local spend within 30 miles of the project
• 70 weeks of training opportunities (Levels 2–4+)
• 17 apprenticeship weeks
• Student site visits and careers advice sessions
• £8,424 VCSE spend with Community Wood Recycling
• Career mentoring support for local unemployed people

This approach ensured the project generated lasting benefits beyond the completed building.

The outcome

The new Sports and Learning Facility provides Loughborough College with a future-ready environment that supports both elite athletic development and academic achievement.

The project was delivered with:

• Predictability of time: 10/10
• Predictability of cost: 10/10
• Quality at handover: Defect-free
• Client satisfaction: 10/10

Corrie Harris, CEO at Loughborough College Group, commented:

“This incredible new facility represents a defining moment for Loughborough College and our commitment to being at the forefront of sports education and training.”

Tom Sewell, Director at Stepnell, added:

“By working closely with Loughborough College, we’ve delivered a flexible, sustainable facility that will support academic excellence and athletic ambition for many years to come.”

The facility now stands as a cornerstone of the College’s expanding campus and a flagship example of Stepnell’s expertise in delivering complex education and sport-led developments.