Ellis-Miller + Partners, significant architects with expertise and interest in educational and community-focused design, were engaged to create Catmose Sports Centre in Oakham as an integral part of the multi-use Catmose Campus. Drawing on our deep understanding of sports and leisure architecture, we collaborated closely with key stakeholders, including Rutland County Council, Catmose College, Sport England, and local community groups, to develop a robust design brief. This partnership ensured that the facility met stringent guidelines for accessibility, sustainability, and versatility, delivering the project from inception to completion with ongoing post-occupancy support to adapt to evolving needs.

Completed  within the broader campus development and masterplanfor the district, the sports centre exemplifies our commitment to innovative, durable architecture. The steel-framed structure features an elegant birch-faced plywood lining, offering a stylish yet hard-wearing interior ideally suited to high-level sporting performance. The main eight-court badminton hall accommodates a wide array of activities, from basketball and netball to eight-a-side football, with sprung timber flooring for optimal safety and play. Additional state-of-the-art facilities include a fully equipped gym, two dance and movement studios, a viewing gallery, accessible changing rooms, and administrative offices. All spaces prioritise natural daylight through large picture windows, minimising reliance on artificial lighting while providing inspiring views across the campus and Rutland landscape.

The building’s exterior is wrapped in a translucent, high-impact-resistant polycarbonate shell, which softens its visual mass against the daytime sky and emits a subtle glow when illuminated at night. This design not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also aligns with BREEAM Outstanding standards for sustainability, incorporatingthermal mass exposure via exposed concrete ceilings and efficient services integration. Designed in accordance with Sport England guidance, the centre serves as a multi-purpose hub for Catmose College students and the wider community, fostering inclusive accessfor individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. Flexible spaces support indoor and outdoor activities, promoting healthy lifestyles, social engagement, and community events.

Catmose Sports Centre has garnered prestigious accolades,underscoring its architectural excellence: RIBA Award 2012, Galvanizers Association Galvanizing Award (GAGA) 2012 for innovative use of galvanised steel, British Structural Steel Award, and Galvanising Association Award. These honours reflect our skilful integration of galvanised steelwork for durability and aesthetics, as highlighted in industry reviews praising the project’s innovation and community integration.

Since opening, the centre has been a vital asset, hosting thousands of users annually and supporting Rutland’s sports development. It has facilitated diverse programmes, from school physical education to community fitness classes, contributing to local community wellbeing and health. This legacy affirms Ellis-Miller + Partners’ expertise in creating enduring, adaptable sports facilities that contribute community aspirations.