University of Kent appointed Saunders Boston, following a competitive tender and interview process, to design a redevelopment of the existing centre, including extending the fitness facilities, creating a new sports hall and a 6 Court Tennis Centre.
The scheme includes a new four badminton court sports hall to Sport England standards. The existing fitness suite has been completely modernised and extended to form part of a 800 sq m fitness and high performance free weights suite.
The extended fitness suite provides a new face to the facility, creating a ‘shop window’ along an existing University thoroughfare. The new facility also includes a ‘physiotherapy hub’ forming a practical relationship between academic courses and real life. The new first floor 280 sq m multi-purpose studio can be sub-divided and is suitable for various activities including; spinning, aerobics, yoga, martial arts and conferences.
The new Tennis enclosure which forms the hub of the Tennis Centre is located on the edge of the University campus adjacent to the main outdoor sports facilities. This comprises of three indoor Tennis & Netball Courts and three outdoor courts on the site of the previous outdoor courts.
All the courts have been fully resurfaced with all new ancillary fixtures including a fully opening glazed wall to one gable for use during tournaments and exhibitions.
Project Scope
- 4 Court Sports Hall
- Fitness Suite (160 stn)
- Multi-purpose Studio
- 6 Court Tennis Centre