Now you’re familiar with the planning permission process, relevant building regulations and design considerations and have considered how this may impact any development work that you may be considering, the next section will provide you with more detail on appointing and working with professionals to assist you as you plan and progress to the construction phase of your project.
Design considerations
As highlighted earlier in 2E (Getting to know your asset), it’s vital that you are familiar with the asset you’re taking on before embarking on any detailed designs, to ensure you’re aware of its layout, any issues, and the possibilities for change.
It can be useful to spend some time considering what changes you would like to make to the facility to improve the user experience, improve its efficiency and reduce the operating costs.
This can help you to identify what is most important for your organisation in the development or refurbishment of your asset.
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Sport or local authority-specific site and building specifications
When supporting the design or redevelopment of an asset, you’ll need to consider any sport-specific facility design requirements and recommendations, which may include the dimensions of playing pitches or courts, the nature of changing and ancillary facilities or lighting levels.
Read more about Sport or local authority-specific site and building specificationsSport England provides design advice and guidance for different building types covering a range of sports and activities. You should also consult the relevant national governing body for each sport that your asset will provide for.
Some local authorities may also set specific standards for provision as part of a lease agreement relating to the quality of facility provision and adherence to environmental sustainability standards, for any new development or refurbished assets.
As part of your early discussions with the local authority and the planning department you should enquire as to any standards that may form part of any agreement.
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Environmental sustainability
During the design process, consider if there are ways to make the asset you are taking on as environmentally sustainable as possible.
Read more about Environmental sustainabilityNot only is this important for the environment, but it could help to improve your future efficiency and reduce your running costs.
For larger scale changes, some funders offer support to help make your assets more environmentally sustainable, or there could be small changes that you can make, which can have a big impact, such as installing energy meters.
Sport England has guidance covering practical support on how energy efficiency can reduce running costs.
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Accessibility
After engaging with your community early in the project, you should have a good understanding of any barriers they face to being active and how your project could make your activities more accessible.
Read more about AccessibilityUnder the Equality Act 2010, organisations are required to ensure their facilities are accessible, inclusive, and meet the needs of different user groups.
There may be changes you should make to improve access to your facility, like adding ramps, car parking, accessible toilets and changing areas, lighting, and clear signage.
Further guidance is available through Buddle’s accessible facilities webpage, Activity Alliance’s access for all guidance and Sport England's accessible sports facilities checklist.
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