Reflecting on the recently published government strategy, Sporting Future - A New Strategy for an Active Nation, it become apparent that the wider social benefits of sport are very much at the top of the political agenda.

The report has been widely consulted upon and subsequently well received by the industry. It places fresh emphasis on joined-up thinking across key government agencies and takes a more holistic view of the powerful social benefits of sport and leisure.

Unfortunately, the document stops short of discussing the key role that facilities can play in the journey to a more active and healthy population.

Typically, sport and leisure buildings have a lifespan of 30 or more years and while the pendulum of Government initiatives may swing from time to time, it’s difficult to adapt buildings at the same speed without significant expense. Couple this with the fact that there appears to be no additional funding available and it’s hardly surprising that facilities get little mention in the report. Despite the omission, it’s possible to speculate on some of the key themes that will arise from this new strategy.

Technical guidance
Like many of the recommendations in Sporting Future, measurable metrics have a part to play. Sport England technical guidance has been a valuable reference point for clients and design teams involved in new buildings. We need to provide greater focus on the desired outcomes from facilities, rather than focusing on compliance with a narrow set of guidelines.

That said, the use of simple measurement metrics such as throughput figures can be equally misleading, especially when they can be affected by geography and pricing strategy, or where health objectives are focused on a particular target group.

Compelling a new group of users to abandon the couch and jump into a pool is an interesting challenge for all involved in the design and procurement of sport and leisure facilities. However, flexibility and multi-use design are key attributes that should be considered when planning any new facility.

Creating carefully considered internal environments which offer a mixture of activities, including learning opportunities and retail alongside sport and leisure, can – in our experience – help to create a more cohesive customer experience.

Sporting Future is a great challenge for the industry and one in which design can play a major role in helping to achieve social good and providing facilities which truly serve their communities.