Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is set to expand its sporting facilities at its Clifton Campus, with the unveiling of plans for a new multi-use sports hall and a redeveloped football pitch.
The proposed development aims to meet the growing needs of the university’s sports programmes, bringing an expanded and sustainable sporting hub to the students and local community.
The new sports complex is designed by Anotherkind Architects Ltd, with support from a multi-disciplinary team including specialists in flood risk, transport, acoustics, and ecology. This comprehensive planning highlights NTU’s commitment to enhancing both the functionality and environmental integration of its campus facilities.
History
Located off Clifton Lane and adjacent to the existing Clifton Sports Hub, the proposed development site currently functions as an 11v11 football pitch, which is underused according to the project assessment. The new multi-use facility, which will be built on a 0.992-hectare site, aims to optimise the space by incorporating various indoor sports facilities, including provisions for basketball, netball, volleyball, tennis, and badminton.
The planning submission has been prepared in line with the Town and Country (General Development Procedure) (Amendment) (England) Order 2006, and is classified as a major application given the scale of the project.
Planning History
The Clifton Campus has undergone significant sports-related improvements over the years, with previous developments including extensions to the existing sports centre in 2009, the creation of an all-weather sports pitch in 2012, and a tennis court enclosure in 2016. This latest proposal builds on this legacy, reinforcing the university’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities for its students.
Design
The proposed sports hall will have a lightweight tensile structure, featuring a tensile fabric roof and sides combined with composite steel panels on the lower elevations. This design aims to strike a balance between practicality and aesthetic appeal. The facility will be linked to the existing sports hub by a glazed corridor, ensuring easy access between buildings. The structure will stand at approximately 12.4 metres at its tallest point, reducing towards the south to minimise impact on nearby residential areas.
The project also involves a significant upgrade to the football pitch, which will be reduced in size to a 5-a-side pitch, allowing for better land utilisation. A wildflower meadow is also planned for the area, promoting biodiversity and creating a welcoming environment for students and local residents.
In line with NTU’s ambition to achieve Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2040, the sports facility will include several sustainable features. The building’s white roof membrane is designed to optimise daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. In addition, DALI-controlled LED lighting will be installed for improved energy efficiency. The entire project will employ sustainably sourced materials, and emphasis has been placed on reducing waste during construction, with sustainable drainage systems like swales being integrated into the design.
The facility’s drainage system has been designed with sustainability in mind, utilising a surface water management solution that involves a swale—a vegetated channel that not only aids drainage but also provides ecological benefits by enhancing water quality and biodiversity.
Transport
The proposed development will be accessible via College Drive, the main artery that connects the campus to the A453 Remembrance Way. Regular bus services operate from the campus, providing convenient transport links for students and staff. Pedestrian and vehicular access will be maintained and extended via existing routes.
For disabled access, the building has been carefully designed with an accessible gradient entry, which avoids the need for additional ramps and handrails. A new access path will surround the building, seamlessly integrating the facility with the existing sports hub and providing level threshold access points around the perimeter.
Environmental
The environmental considerations for the project are extensive, with detailed assessments carried out to ensure minimal ecological disruption. The site currently contains poor-condition modified grassland, which will be enhanced through the creation of a wildflower meadow. The introduction of other neutral grassland species, such as meadow foxtail, oxeye daisy, and red campion, aims to achieve a 10.77% net gain in biodiversity.
To further support local wildlife, a “bioswale” will be constructed. This feature, consisting of vegetation designed to filter pollutants and increase rainwater infiltration, will offer additional ecological benefits. The decision to select the current location for the facility, avoiding high-value tree removal, demonstrates NTU’s consideration for preserving natural habitats.
Community and Noise Management
To address community concerns about noise, an acoustic assessment was conducted. The proposed sports facility is not anticipated to significantly alter the noise profile of the area, with activity noise levels expected to be comparable to the existing football pitch. NTU has also prepared a Noise Management Plan to mitigate any potential impacts on nearby residential areas.
Security will be managed through an integrated approach, with controlled access via the existing sports facility. CCTV surveillance will cover both the internal and external areas, complemented by an intruder alarm system to ensure that the facility remains secure.
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