Whilst working with the School, BHM Architects produced a masterplan which recommended a new swimming pool and sports hall to replace some existing buildings, but to also supplement the existing sports hall and PE Facilities. Following this, BHM Architects prepared the initial feasibility studies and final designs.

 

The brief from Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School was to design a new sports centre to accommodate a 25-metre, eight-lane swimming pool, together with a medium-sized sports hall, fitness centre, climbing wall and squash courts.

 

The new pool replaced the existing school pool and has a large viewing gallery along one side for competitions and school events. BHM Architects worked alongside swimming pool specialists to ensure it was adaptable for wheelchair users, those with reduced mobility and sub-aqua. This was achieved through a moveable floor which allows the pool depth to be changed over one-third of the pool.

 

The new sports hall is designed in line with Sport England’s guidelines to accommodate basketball, tennis, badminton and 5-a-side football.

 

The provision of a new entrance, reception, café and school shop places a focus on the new sports facilities whilst controlling access to the existing sports hall building. Replacement of the existing squash courts within the new sports centre allows the space to be flexibly used by utilising a moving wall between the two courts. This now accommodates single and double squash and the teaching of dance and martial arts.