Developing the Right

Sports Hall
Foreword

This new guidance and policy statement for the space requirements of the main indoor sports
developing sports halls is intended for a range of for the following level of play categories 2;
stakeholders from local authorities, schools and
International
universities through to sports clubs, voluntary
organisations, commercial operators and Premier
consultants. It has been jointly developed by the
Club
national governing bodies (NGBs) of Badminton,
Basketball, Cricket, Netball and Volleyball who Community.
together with Sport England have developed
guidance to ensure sports hall developments Meeting the space requirements recommended by
comply with up to date requirements of the NGBs. the NGBs is vitally important as this will ensure that
there are the correct safety zones and other
It is estimated 1 that there are just over 4,500 sports margins around the playing area, and that space
halls in England of 3 badminton court size or standards are suitable for practice and training and
above; a mix of local authority (17%), education competition play. Compliance with NGB
(76%), commercial (2%) and other (5%) providers. requirements will also increase levels of demand
Regardless of provider, this guidance will ensure for the use of the hall by NGBs and their partners.
that maximum cost-benefit is achieved from any
further capital investment into new or existing
sports halls, and that these spaces are programmed This guidance encourages
to link well together with other outdoor provision.
Robust sports development, business planning the right questions to be
and partnerships will make it possible for operators asked regarding sports and
to guarantee all year round usage for sport with a
guaranteed return on investment.
other stakeholder
requirements in order that
optimal solutions are
The decision-making reached that ultimately lead
process tool in this to the intended outcome of
guidance will encourage the right sustainable
all stakeholders to think facilities in the right places
about their needs and for the right reasons.
evidence first in order to
then identify appropriate For a typical sports hall development the 7 step
facility requirements. It process indicates that multi sports programmes
will be best served by a minimum hall size of 34.5
will challenge traditional x 20 m. Where additional capital costs can be met,
thinking of what is slightly larger halls of 40.6 x 21.35 m are a viable
option allowing two or more activities to take place
assumed to be required simultaneously and higher levels of competition to
against what is currently be hosted. The additional capital investment
known to be required. required can be offset by the additional income
potential and flexibility for teaching and
programming 3. In some instances, looking wider
than a single hall solution may also present a viable
The group believes that this guidance and its option when deciding how best to accommodate
supporting strategic tools will enable stakeholders a sports development programme.
to develop the right sports hall in accordance with

2 See Appendix 4 ‘Level of play categories for each sport’ which

has been developed by the NGBs and Sport England to provide
a consistent terminology for the levels of play of all sports.
1 Active Places Data (January 2011). See Appendix 5 3 See Appendix 5 ‘Supporting Tools and Guidance’ for link to
‘Supporting Tools and Guidance’ for more detailed information. business model comparisons for multi-sport 4 and 5 court halls.

1
The methodology and approach of this new
guidance is fully supported by all members of the
working group, whilst the generic strategic planning
aspects of this guidance will also apply to other
hall user sports.

“ This is a great example of how Sport England and

governing bodies are working closely together to deliver a
lasting grassroots sporting legacy from the London 2012
Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In the past, some developers have failed to fully consider
how small changes to the dimensions of a sports hall can
hugely increase the variety and levels of sports that can be
played. This guidance will lead to more choice for sports
hall users and better value for facilities’ investments.
Richard Lewis
Sport England Chair
”
“ For us to achieve the ambition of a lasting legacy and
drive up participation in sport off the back of hosting the
London 2012 Games, it is important we have the facilities
in place to give people the opportunity to play all kinds of
sports. I welcome this joined up approach from the five
national governing bodies involved and Sport England
in developing this simple and consistent guidance. It will
ensure that stakeholders are supported to develop the
right sized sports hall which will ultimately help to grow
their sport.

Hugh Robertson
Minister for Sport and the Olympics
”
2
Contents

1. Introduction
• Why the guidance is required and who should use it
• Relationship to other technical guidance
• Relationship to strategic tools

2. Methodology
• How this guidance should be used
• The 7 Step Process summarised

3. Working Through the Process

• The 7 Step Process - Tasks for the project team

4. Conclusion

5. Appendices
Appendix 1: Comparison of minimum new build hall sizes and court numbers
for each sport at different level of play categories

Appendix 2: Comparison of minimum existing hall sizes for each sport at

different level of play categories

Appendix 3: Sports data sheets

Appendix 4: Level of play categories for each sport

Appendix 5: Supporting tools and guidance

Appendix 6: Abbreviations

Appendix 7: Glossary of terms

Appendix 8: References

Appendix 9: Useful contacts

3
Introduction

This guidance and policy statement has been The purpose of this guidance is:
jointly developed by Badminton England, England
Basketball, England and Wales Cricket Board,
England Netball, Volleyball England and Sport
• To help stakeholders
England, and is intended to provide a simple, articulate their sports
consistent, agreed methodology for Developing development requirements,
the Right Sports Hall, ensuring the correct
specification of hall to meet NGB requirements. enabling them to develop a
sports hall based on a
Working through 7 logical robust ‘needs and
steps, this guidance will evidence’ base.
help stakeholders to • To provide stakeholders
develop a project brief for with a logical process for
a new or existing hall, deciding the basic
based on basic dimensions and
specifications required to specifications required in a
play one or more of the sports hall and to
following sports: understand the implications
• badminton of these.
• basketball • To ensure stakeholders
succeed in developing the
• cricket right sports hall that is
• netball sustainable through
effective business planning.
• volleyball.

It will also enable stakeholders to undertake the

business planning process which will provide a
useful starting point for decisions before referring
to detailed technical requirements covered in the
published guidance of the governing bodies and
Sport England.
It is important to consider the programming,
operating models and wider partnerships that will
help in making a viable sporting and business case
for any new or existing sport hall development.
Sometimes this will mean that a larger than
minimum sized hall will be more appropriate.

4
Why the guidance is required and • PE and Sport Stakeholder Groups or other
local mechanisms advising on facility
who should use it developments

• Consultants

• Higher and Further Education (HE and FE)

In an era of scarce
resources, it is vitally • Sports clubs
important that any new • Sports hall suppliers and contractors
facilities achieve value for • The Private Sector.
money through
sustainable operations. Relationship to other technical
guidance
This document is not intended to provide in-depth
Any new or existing sports hall development will technical guidance as this is covered in greater
need to contribute to social outcomes, be efficient detail in other guidance available from the NGBs
and sustainable. The availability of subsidies for and Sport England 5. However, it is based on the
particular sports halls will come under pressure as assumption that the detailed NGB guidance will
local authority revenue budgets continue to reduce. be followed, as doing so is critical to the long-term
Therefore effective income generation will become success and safe performance of any sports hall
a key factor for any sports hall development. facility.
See Appendix 8 on page 27 for weblinks to NGB
technical guidance.
It is possible to deliver all
of the above with good Relationship to strategic tools
strategic planning, The tools covered here are designed to help inform
decision making; they are not intended to provide
appropriate design and the answer. There are many factors that need to
robust business planning be considered in order to arrive at the right facility
solution and these are set out in the
based on the needs of the Methodology.
sports and potential users Planning Tools
within the catchment area.
The NGBs and Sport England’s planning tools
(Active Places and Active Places Power) are
available to help provide information on the supply
A wide range of stakeholders are encouraged to and demand for sports halls. In addition, different
use this guidance, working together as a project scenarios of sports hall provision can be tested by
team 4, to make strategic and site specific using the Facilities Planning Model (FPM) which
decisions with a consistent approach and can be accessed through working with Sport
methodology, namely: England.
• NGB Facility and Development Officers http://www.sportengland.org/facilities__planning/planning_
tools_and_guidance.aspx
• Local Authorities, Planning Authorities, Town
Councils and Parish Councils

4 See Appendix 7 ‘Glossary of Terms’ for a summary of 5 Technical guidance of the NGBs and Sport England will
typical key stakeholders in a project team. be reviewed in conjunction with this guidance and updated.

5
Methodology

How this guidance should be used

To decide which size and layout of sports hall
is the most appropriate, a 7 step process has
been set out. The process will be best worked
through as a project team which has all key
stakeholders represented 6. All steps apply
whether the intention is to consider a specific
site or an area wide analysis. If the study is for
a specific site, it is still essential that the
analysis starts at the first step in order to inform
the steps that follow.

This methodology
requires a high degree of
consultation with NGBs
and other key
stakeholders. This is best
achieved through forming
a project team early on.

The 7 step process will stimulate discussions

amongst the project team and ensure that the
necessary information is gathered to enable the
relative importance of individual sports to be
established at each site. It will assist users to
understand the implications of the choices that
are made and will help with working through
design and programming compromises if these
are necessary, until a high level decision is
reached on what sports hall is required.
Through the process the project team will grow
to include the design team. From Step 7
onwards, this team will take the project brief
and work this up into a design brief.
A summary of the 7 step process is set out on
pages 7 - 8. Further details for the 7 steps are
then presented on pages 9 - 16, with each step
covering:

• Key Issues to be considered

• Who can provide help and support

• Where the information is likely to be found.

6 See Appendix 7 Glossary of Terms for suggested key

stakeholders in a project team.

6
The 7 Step Process summarised

SUPPLY AND DEMAND ISSUES

1
After working through this step the project team will be able to identify the issues
of supply and demand that need to be addressed.
(Discussions should include considering the number of courts / size of halls locally
versus the known and latent demand for use of halls and the relevant sports activities.
This can be evidenced by using the strategic tools covered in the Appendix 5)

STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS

2
After working through this step the project team will know if the site or sites have
been identified as a priority for a specific sport or number of sports.
(By seeking input from NGBs at this stage (refer to Appendix 9 for Useful Contacts),
users may find that a site has been identified to be developed as a ‘Premier’ or
‘International’ venue for a particular sport, which can be factored in to making the
sporting case.)

TYPE OF ACTIVITY / LEVEL OF PLAY CATEGORY

3
Through this step, the project team will identify the type of activity that is proposed
for the sports hall by each sport, such as competition, education, training and the
level of play category that is proposed for the sports hall by each sport.
(Size and specifications will need to be set to the highest level of play category that
will be played, whether this be Community, Club, Premier or International)

HOW MUCH USE

4
After working through this step the project team will have identified how much
use there will be for each ‘Type of activity’ and ‘Level of play category’ for each
sport.
(This is important in determining time requirements and whether a programme of use
for the sport or sports jointly can work. The Business Case Tool in Appendix 5 will
support developing a Programme of Use).

Once steps 1 - 4 have been completed and the However, in most cases the answer can be
information gathered, it is necessary to analyse arrived at by using common sense and
the information and to identify which sport is discussing the case for each sport as a project
the priority in terms of influencing the team consisting of the relevant governing
development of the sports hall. There is no bodies and key stakeholders. Steps 5 - 7
simple mathematical formula that will provide provide a logical process for doing this (see
the answer as to which is the priority sport. overleaf).

7
The 7 Step Process summarised (Cont/d...)

DEVELOPING THE PROJECT BRIEF

The project team will work through either a flowchart geared to developing a

5
specification for a new hall, or one geared to establishing if an existing hall is
suitable for investment. The flowcharts will help project teams to clearly
articulate the hall size, specification and any extra capital purchases required to
deliver the sport development programme identified through steps 1-4.
In particular, the information gathered at Steps 3 and 4 provides the key factors in
making any decision at this stage, with Step 3 being the most important i.e. a sport
played at a higher competitive level will have more specific requirements. Where the
level of use is similar, then the amount of use will be the deciding factor.
Refer to page 13 for the methodology for new halls.
Refer to page 14 for the methodology for existing halls.

,
THE BUSINESS CASE
This will help the project team to undertake a value for money (VFM) assessment

6
on the sports hall specification arrived at in Step 5.
This is a critical step in the process where all the information from previous steps is
used to determine if a viable sporting and business case can be made.

THE DECISION
On reaching this step, the project team is advised to check that they have

7
worked through the logical process in consultation with relevant NGBs and key
stakeholders, and that all the necessary information has been gathered and
analysed.

Following acceptance and sign off of the business The design team will then follow the project
plan in Step 7, the project team must then take through to conclusion although the team members
steps to assemble a design team 7. This team will may change to suit the context and phase of the
be responsible for managing the development of overall programme.
the initial project brief and would typically include
the appointment of professionals with the relevant
skill sets.

7 See Appendix 7 Glossary of Terms for suggested key

stakeholders in a design team.

8
Working Through the Process
The 7 Step Process - Tasks for the project team
The project team is advised to consider and project team to use are listed for each step.
address all of the questions posed by Steps 1 - 7 Details and links to these can be found in Appendix
as set out below. Useful strategic tools for the 5 Supporting Tools and Guidance.

STEP 1 SUPPLY AND DEMAND ISSUES

The question / Key issues to be Who can provide help Where the information
task considered and support is likely to be found

What are the Supply • Local Authority • Local facility audit

issues of Supply oo Chief Officers • Facility strategies
• What sports halls are
and Demand that Planning Officers
currently available and oo
• Sports development /
need to be where are they located? oo Leisure Officers leisure strategies
addressed?
• How many courts do • Local Sports Trust • Recent surveys
(This should include the sports halls have?
considering the oo Sports development • Active Places
Do they meet the team
quality and recommended database
specification of dimensions for the oo Facility management
existing facilities as team • BSF Strategy for
relevant sports? Change documents
well as the size and • NGB local / regional
specification of the • What is the quality and • NGB strategies /
officers
proposed new life expectancy of these databases
facilities) sports halls? • County Sports
Partnerships • Club Development
• Availability of courts? Plans
• PE & Sport
Stakeholder groups • Facility Planning
Demand Model national
• Local sports clubs assessments
• How are the existing
sports halls currently • Other • Local area data - NGB
used? oo School managers
• By who, for what and oo Local league
when? secretaries
• Are people having to oo Sport England’s local
travel unreasonable office
distances to use the
sports halls and why?
• Will the site be a
Development Area for
any of the sports?

Unmet Demand

• Development plans

Useful strategic tools:

Refer to Appendix 5 on page 24 for Active People
Diagnostic Tool

9
STEP 2 STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS
The question / Key issues to be Who can provide help Where the information
task considered and support is likely to be found

Has the site been Sport Issues • NGB local / regional • NGB facility strategies
identified as a officers and NGB sub-regional
• Have particular sports facility strategies /
priority for a • Local Authority officers
been identified as a reports
specific sport? priority for the sports oo planning
(For example is the hall and why? • Local authority facility
oo sports development strategies
site to be developed team
• Are there any long term
as a ‘Premier’ or • Sports development /
realistic plans and oo sports facility
‘International’ venue leisure strategies
aspirations for the sport management team
for a particular
or local clubs that need • Recent surveys
sport?) • Local Sports Trust
to be considered?
oo Sports development • FPM local scenario
team assessments
Site Specific Issues Facility management
oo • BSF Strategy for
• Are there particular team Change documents
sites that have been • County Sports • Club Development
identified for particular Partnerships Plans
sports use and why?
• PE & Sport
• Are there any long term Stakeholder groups
realistic plans and
• Local sports clubs
aspirations for the site /
sites? • Other
oo Sport England Local
Planning Teams

Useful strategic tools:

Refer to Appendix 5 on page 24 for Local Sport Profile Tool

10
STEP 3 TYPE OF ACTIVITY / LEVEL OF PLAY CATEGORY
The question / Key issues to be Who can provide help Where the information
task considered and support is likely to be found

What type of For each sport identify the • NGB local / regional • Local authority facility
activity is type of activity: officers strategies
proposed for the • Local Authority officers • Sports development /
• Competition
sports hall by leisure strategies
• Education oo planning
each sport?
oo sports development • Recent surveys /
• Training team consultation
oo sports facility • BSF Strategy for
What level of play For each sport identify the management team Change documents
category is level of play category: • Local Sports Trust • NGB strategies /
proposed for the Sports development reports
• International oo
sports hall by team
each sport? • Premier • Club Development
oo Facility management Plans
• Club team
• League records
• Community • County Sports
Partnerships

How many For each sport identify the • PE & Sport

number of courts required Stakeholder groups
people are
expected to take • Other
part? oo Local league
secretaries

Useful strategic tools:

Refer to Appendix 5 on page 24 for Sport Market Segmentation
Web Tool, Local Sport Profile Tool, Active People Diagnostic Tool

11
 STEP 4 HOW MUCH USE
The question / Key issues to be Who can provide help Where the information
task considered and support is likely to be found

How much use • When will the type of • Local Authority officers • League fixture
will there be for activity and level of play oo Sports development requirements
each ‘Type of category take place for team • Business plans
Activity’ and each sport on the
proposed sports hall oo Sports facility • County and Regional
‘Level of play management team sports plans
category’ for • What is the total
• Local Sports Trust
each sport? amount of use in
hours? oo Sports development
(Percentage use / team
total hours)
• For each sport identify oo Facility management
How many the number of courts team
people are required
• NGB local / regional
expected to take officers
part?
• County Sports
Partnerships
• School management
• Other

Useful strategic tools:

Refer to Appendix 5 on page 24 for Business Case Tool

Moving on to Step 5
By Step 5 the project team will have a clear picture The principles for identifying the hall specification
of what the priority sport is for the project, and the are the same whether the project is a new hall or
type of activity and level of play category that is an existing hall. However, for an existing hall there
required. Step 5 provides guidance on how to use are limitations in terms of what can be done to
sports data sheets to decide what the hall accommodate a priority sport for example it may
specification should be to meet the requirements be possible to improve the lighting and change a
of the priority sport and then how to review if the floor surface in an economic way, but much more
identified secondary sports can be effectively difficult to increase the dimensions of a hall without
accommodated. incurring unacceptable costs. It is therefore
necessary when considering existing halls to
Where no one priority sport has been identified
consider carefully the value for money issues of
and a multi-sport solution is required, the project
making significant changes to accommodate the
team should wherever possible consider
proposed sports use. To clarify the different
developing a larger hall that meets the full needs
approaches there are two alternatives to Step 5,
of the main sports hall sports and which will give
one for a new build scenario and one for developing
greater flexibility over the longer term. Appendix 5
an existing hall.
includes links to business models and
considerations for multi-sport 4 and 5 court halls,
and a business case tool.

12
New halls
The methodology below sets out how to use the of the key secondary sports. The methodology
sports data sheets for each sport to identify sufficient encourages the use of standard hall sizes to ensure
information to develop a project brief that will meet that as many other sports as possible can use the
the needs of the priority sport as well as the needs hall in years to come.

STEP 5 DEVELOPING THE PROJECT BRIEF FOR A NEW HALL

How to develop the specification for the new hall

Steps 1- 4
Priority sports identified with level of play category
Secondary sports identified with level of play
category

Update Priority Sports

Review Appendix 1 to establish the most appropriate
Update Initial project brief to accommodate
hall size for the priority sport and review the sports data
secondary sport
sheets to establish the specification for the priority sport

Initial Project Brief

Input the selected hall size and specification
into the initial project brief

Secondary Sports
Review Appendix 1 to establish the most appropriate
hall size for the secondary sports and review the
sports data sheets to establish their specification

YES

Specification Change NO Review of Initial Project Brief

Can the specification be changed to Is the intial project brief established suitable for
accommodate the primary and secondary sports the identified secondary sports
in a practical and ‘value for money’ (VFM) way

NO YES

Sport cannot be accommodated at the level Finalise Initial Project Brief

required Initial project brief finalised incorporating the
specification required for the primary and
secondary sports

Refer to Appendix 3 on page 22 for links to download the

individual sports data sheets for badminton, basketball,
cricket practice, netball and volleyball.

13
Existing halls
This alternative methodology sets out the principle cases substantial investment will be required that
reviews and decisions that need to be made to will not represent value for money and the project
establish whether it makes sense to use significant team will need to consider whether a new hall
investment to upgrade an existing hall to should be built or whether another existing facility
accommodate the proposed use. In some cases could be upgraded.
the investment required will be low but in a few

STEP 5 DEVELOPING THE PROJECT BRIEF FOR AN EXISTING HALL

Establishing if the existing hall is suitable for investment

Steps 1- 4
Priority sports identified with level of play category
Secondary sports identified with level of play category

Update Priority Sports

Review Appendix 2 for hall sizes and the sports
Update Initial project brief to accommodate
data sheets in Appendix 3 for the priority sports and
secondary sport
establish if the existing hall is suitable for investment
to provide use at appropriate level of play category

If it is critical that the priority sport

is delivered, consider constructing
a new hall at the site or upgrading
another existing hall on another site Hall suitable for investment?
NO
NO YES

VFM Assessment Initial Project Brief

If the hall is not suitable for the priority Input the specification for the priority sports
sport you need to consider if the amount into the initial project brief
and quality of play for the secondary sports
can justify further investment

Secondary Sports
Review Appendix 2 for hall sizes and the sports data
YES YES sheets in Appendix 3 for the secondary sports and
establish if the existing hall is suitable for investment
to provide use at appropriate level of play category
The existing hall does not justify
further investment. If it is critical that
the secondary sport is delivered,
consider constructing a new hall NO
at the site or upgrading another
existing hall on another site Hall suitable for investment?

YES

Specification Change NO Review of Initial Project Brief

Can the specification be changed to Is the intial project brief established suitable for
accommodate the primary and secondary the identified secondary sports
sports in a practical and VFM way

NO YES

Sport cannot be accommodated at the level Finalise Initial Project Brief

required Initial project brief finalised incorporating the
specification / improvement required for the
primary and secondary sports / sign off

Refer to Appendix 3 on page 22 for links to download the

individual sports data sheets for badminton, basketball,
cricket practice, netball and volleyball.

14
STEP 6 THE BUSINESS CASE
The question / Key issues to be Who can provide help Where the information
task considered and support is likely to be found

Can the sport • Can a robust sporting • Sport England • Comparison of

development case be made that business models for
• County Sports
requirements be guarantees a sports multi-sport 4 and 5
Partnerships
supported by a development return on court halls
investment? • Local Authority officers
viable and See Appendix 5 for
sustainable • Have the necessary oo Sports development weblink
business plan? partnerships been team
• Business Case Tool
established with key oo Sports facility
stakeholders and user management team (includes 3 easy to use
groups? documents:
• National Governing
• Has the use of the Bodies oo Sports development
sports hall been plan template
• School management.
maximised through oo Programme of Use
effective and flexible template
programming?
oo Expenditure
• Have different spreadsheet)
operating models been
explored that can help See Appendix 5 for
off-set operating costs? Business Case Tool
weblink
• Would a slightly larger
hall facilitate greater
flexibility in
programming by
allowing two or more
activities to take place
simultaneously,
generating greater
income?

See Sport England website for links to download the individual

layouts for the sports hall facility variants.

15
 STEP 7 THE DECISION
After steps 1 - 6 have been undertaken, the following check list should
be completed:

We have worked together and have the support of the relevant NGBs and key
stakeholders.
We have all the information available to identify the supply and demand issues that
need to be addressed.
We have conducted the necessary research to identify if the new or existing site has
been identified as a priority for a particular sport(s).
We have identified the ‘type of activity’ and highest ‘level of play category’ that is
proposed for the sports hall by each sport.
We have identified how much use there will be for each ‘type of activity’ and ‘level of
play’ for each sport.
We have worked through the flowchart to establish the most appropriate hall size
and specification to meet the sport development requirements, previously identified.
We have checked that requirements can be supported by a viable and sustainable
business plan.

By following this logical process and discussing the case for each sport early with the
relevant NGBs and key stakeholders, you will now be in a position to arrive at the right
sports hall to develop. By developing a detailed and compelling project brief based on
needs and evidence, the project team will be better placed to raise funds for the project
and to make the case for planning permission.

What needs to happen next?

By the end of Step 7 the project brief will have been established project team in jointly developing a
developed sufficiently to provide a clear statement detailed design brief 9 and ultimately an appropriate
of requirements for the facility that is based on clear design alongside continued development of the
sports development requirements underpinned by a business case and securing sufficient funding to
clear business justification. The next steps are to make the project a reality.
assemble the right design team 8 to work with the

8 See Appendix 7 Glossary of Terms on page 26 for further 9 See Appendix 7 Glossary of Terms on page 26 for further
details on the Design Team. details on the Design Brief.

16
Key stages of project
development
Most projects develop in a similar way and the key
stages are set out in the RIBA Plan of Work 10 as
summarised in the table below.
At the end of Step 7, the project is now ready to
start the RIBA Stage B Design Brief stage i.e. Work
Stage A has already been covered - this is a very
important stage as it provides the basis for the
whole project and is therefore critical to achieving
a successful project.
It is important that the business plan, sports
development plan and the design develop together
at each stage of the project. In particular, it is very
important that the detailed requirements for the
sports activities and other income generating
activities are incorporated into the design brief to
ensure that the building is designed to work as
effectively as possible. If these basic steps are
followed the result will be a well designed building
that is fit for purpose and is financially sustainable
in the long term.

Main Stage RIBA Work Stage

Preparation A Appraisal (Already undertaken by end of step 7)
B Design Brief
Design C Concept
D Design Development
E Technical Design
Pre-Construction F Product Information
G Tender Documentation
H Tender Action
Construction J Mobilisation
K Construction to Practical Completion
Use L Post Practical Completion
For further details, see the RIBA weblink:
http://www.architecture.com/Files/RIBAProfessionalServices/Practice/OutlinePlanofWork(revised).pdf

Summary of RIBA Plan of Work

10 See Appendix 7 Glossary of Terms on page 26 for further

information on the RIBA Plan of Work .

17
Conclusion

All the governing bodies involved in the

development of this guidance believe that sports
halls have a crucial role to play in the development This guidance
of their sport. The working group will continue to
work together to ensure that the decisions
encourages the right
reached by any project team using this guidance questions to be asked
will be based on accurate requirements for regarding sports and
individual sports provision when jointly
developing existing or new sports halls. This other stakeholder
process for project teams has been made easier requirements in order
through the revision and simplification of levels
of play into four categories 11: that optimal solutions are
International reached that ultimately
Premier lead to the intended
Club outcome of the right
Community.
sustainable facilities in
It is in everyone’s interest that the right sports hall
the right places for the
is developed and for this to be achieved, a project right reasons.
team should use this guidance as its starting point.
The methodology will help project teams to
develop a detailed and compelling project brief
based on sport development needs and evidence.
Supporting tools have been linked in with the 7 step
process to help cross-functional working between
NGB’s, LA’s and other stakeholders, which is of
paramount importance if sport is to capitalise on the
opportunities available.

All new facility

developments should be
programme led and
created in partnership
with NGBs, local sports
clubs and schools.

Throughout the process, project teams should

allow for flexible solutions and rigorously test the
proposed design solution against the business plan
to ensure sustainable outcomes can be achieved,
both developmental and financial. The decisions
reached will provide a clear statement of the
requirements for a facility based on sports
development needs underpinned by a clear
business justification.

11 See Appendix 4 ‘Level of play categories for each sport’ for

how the four categories relate to each sport.

18
Appendices

Appendix 1: Comparison of minimum new build hall sizes and court numbers
for each sport at different level of play categories

Appendix 2: Comparison of minimum existing hall sizes for each sport at

different level of play categories

Appendix 3: Sports data sheets

Appendix 4: Level of play categories for each sport

Appendix 5: Supporting tools and guidance

Appendix 6: Abbreviations

Appendix 7: Glossary of terms

Appendix 8: References

Appendix 9: Useful contacts

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Appendixthe
Developing 1 Right Sports Hall Sports Data Sheet

Comparison of minimum new build hall sizes and court numbers for each sport at different level of play categories
Standard new hall sizes:
Number of courts for each sport and level of play category General notes:
• Unless noted otherwise all sizes include for team / officials zones but DO NOT include for any

(34.5 x 20.0 x

(40.0 x 34.5 x

10 Court hall
(40.6 x 42.7 x

12 Court hall
(60.0 x 34.5 x

15 Court hall
(40.6 x 21.35

(64.05 x 40.6
spectator provision.

4 Court hall

5 Court hall

8 Court hall
• The number of courts noted for each hall size does not take into account the additional option

x 7.5 m)

x 9.0 m)
of inclusion of ‘Show Court’ overlays.

7.5 m)

8.3 m)

9.0 m)

9.0 m)
Sport and
level of play category * Further information
Badminton (with 1 dividing net)
1 Excludes
International 1 4 2+3 42 82 8 12 12 officials zone.
2 Requires a clear height of 9.0 m.
Premier 1 42 52 82 10 12 15
3 It is assumed that division nets are excluded.
Club 1 4 5 8 10 12 15
Community 1 4 5 8 10 12 15
Basketball
International 0 0 1 1 2 2
Premier 0 0 1 1 2 2
Club 1 1 1 2 2 2
Community 4 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 Excludes team / officials zone.
Reduced court size 5 2 2 4 4 6 6 5 Excludes team / officials zone and is only suitable for small sided games e.g. 2 v 2, 3 v 3, 4 v 4.
Cricket Practice / Indoor Cricket
Community 4 46 8 86 12 126 6 Includes allowance for central 2.0 m clear zone for drop down basketball goals.
Netball
International 7 0 0 1 1 1 1 7 Netball requires a double hall configuration for international games.
8 For Super League consult with England Netball on space required for tv equipment and
Premier 8 0 09 1 1 1 1 anticipated club specific spectator requirements.
9 Width needs to increase to 23.35 m to accommodate Premier level Netball.
10 Where it is not the primary sport this hall can be used for netball training at all levels as well as

Club 1 10 1 11 2 10 1 310 2 for local club - club

11 Excludes team / officials zone. Hall width needs to be increased to 23.35 m to accommodate officials.

4 Excludes team / officials zone.

Community 4 1 12 1 212 2 312 3 12 Where netball is not the primary sport, by agreement, England Netball will allow community
netball to be played in a smaller hall (i.e. 4 court 1, 8 court 2 and 12 court 3) with reduced run-offs.
Volleyball
International 0 0 1 1 2 2
Premier 1 1 2 2 3 3
Club 1 1 2 2 3 3
Community 4 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 Excludes team / officials zone.
Practice courts 4 2 2 4 4 6 6 4 Excludes team / officials zone.
July Revision 001 1 © Sport England 2011
* See Appendix 4 for guidance on the level of play category for each sport. 20
Appendixthe
Developing 2 Right Sports Hall Sports Data Sheet

Comparison of minimum existing hall sizes for each sport at different level of play categories
Minimum existing hall sizes:
General notes:
at each level of play category
• Unless noted otherwise all sizes include for team / officials zones but DO NOT include for any spectator provision.

Minimum size of

Minimum clear
category (m)
hall for each
level of play

height (m)
Sport and
level of play category * Further information
Badminton (4 court hall with 1 dividing net)
International 35.40 x 17.40 1 9.00
Premier 33.00 x 17.40 1 9.00 1 Excludes officials zones at ends and sides of each court. These can be added, if required, by increasing the hall size.
Club 33.00 x 17.40 1 7.50
Community 32.80 x 17.40 1 6.70
Basketball
International 32.10 x 22.15 7.00
Premier 32.10 x 22.15 7.00
Club 32.10 x 21.15 7.00
Community 32.10 x 19.10 2 7.00 2 Excludes team / officials zone.
Cricket Practice / Indoor Cricket
Community (2 lane) 33.62 x 9.32 7.50
Community (4 lane) 33.62 x 18.64 3 7.50 3 20.64 m minimum width for 4 lanes when including 2 m clear zone between each pair of lanes for drop down basketball goals.
Netball
International 36.60 x 23.35 8.30
Premier 36.60 x 23.35 8.30
4 Where recognised competitive netball is already played at an existing venue England Netball will accept, subject to a full
Club 36.60 x 23.35 4 7.50
risk assessment, reduced run offs with minimum 1.5 m to sides and 2.0 m to ends in order to maintain a full size court of
Community 34.50 x 18.25 4 7.50 30.5 x 15.25 m.
Volleyball
International 34.0 x 22.0 12.5
Premier 28.0 x 17.0 7.50
Club 24.0 x 17.0 7.50
Community 24.0 x 15.0 2 7.00 2 Excludes team / officials zone.
Practice courts 20.0 x 15.0 2 7.00 2 Excludes team / officials zone.

* See Appendix 4 for guidance on the level of play category for each sport.
July Revision 001 2 © Sport England 2011
21
Appendix 3

Sports data sheets

Sport England are

currently working to
complete a set of
individual sports data
sheets to complement this
guidance and policy
statement. Each data
sheet will cover primary
sports of Badminton,
Basketball, Cricket,
Netball and Volleyball
providing guidance on key
requirements and the
ability to integrate
secondary sports that can
fit into the same overall
space. We intend that
these data sheets will be
added to the Developing
the Right Sports Hall
webpage by the end of
October 2011.

22
Appendix 4

Level of play categories for each sport

This table provides guidance on the new level of
play categories for each sport as agreed by the
NGBs and Sport England.

Basketball Netball Badminton Volleyball Cricket

International International International International International N/A
This category relates High
to the lowest level of Performance
International play 12. Centres

Premier Senior EBL (Category 5) - Inter-County National N/A

Men Division 1 Championships League Club
This category relates Dedicated
and 2, Women
a Premier / National indoor court BADMINTON
Division 1
League Club intended for England
competing in national clubs Tournament
regional or Inter league and Circuits
county competitions inter county
Premier Club in
competition
a Performance
Centre

Club Senior EBL (Category 3) - Premier Club in Club Club

Men Division 3 a Community
This category relates Indoor court for
and 4, Women Badminton
to a local club County /
Division 2 Network
competing in District Premier League
and County League EBL Youth / County First
competitions. Leagues team use.

Community Recreational (Category 2) - Recreational Practice and Educational

Club school sport
This category relates School,
to school and recreation and
community use community use
where there is no
formal competitive
structure / no
specific need for
space for officials or
spectator
accommodation.

12 For higher levels of international competition, such as

major championships, the relevant NGB should be consulted
at a very early stage as the requirements vary considerably.

23
Appendix 5

Supporting tools and guidance

Sport Market Segmentation Web Tool outlining different Programmes of Use and
their effects on the operating surplus / (deficit)
Sport England has developed nineteen sporting
segments to help understand the nation’s attitudes • Typical breakdown of costings associated with
to sport, their motivations and barriers. One of the community use for different numbers of weeks
tool’s features will help project teams to plan a per annum and hours per week
sustainable sport programme through
• Example Programmes of Use over 40, 30 and
understanding the different population segments
20 hours a week for the 4 and 5 court halls.
and their characteristics within a defined area
around a proposed new facility. See ‘Useful Documents and Tools’ section at:
http://segments.sportengland.org/ http://www.sportengland.org/support__advice/accessing_
school_facilities.aspx
Local Sport Profile Tool
Business Case Tool
Project teams can generate a sporting profile for
their area in the form of charts and tables, bringing The tool kit will help project teams to articulate the
together data on sporting participation and strategic sport development needs and evidence
provision. This will be a useful tool that will help in the form of a robust ‘sport offer’. There are three
identify priority sports and support the sections to the tool kit:
development of a robust business plan for a sports
• A simple sports development plan template to
hall facility.
articulate sporting need
http://www.sportengland.org/research/local_sport_profiles.aspx
• A programme of use that links to a revenue
Active People Diagnostic Tool offer that helps users to plan a sustainable
sport programme through effective timetabling
This is a powerful local strategic planning tool that of activities, and
enables users to assess levels and patterns of
sport and active recreation in their area and to • An expenditure speadsheet that indicates any
benchmark and profile performance. The reports surplus or deficit the proposed programme
and analysis will support project teams to better may offer to the facility.
understand adult sports participation and See ‘Useful Documents and Tools’ section at:
demand. http://www.sportengland.org/support__advice/accessing_
http://www.sportengland.org/research/active_people_ school_facilities.aspx
survey/active_people_diagnostic.aspx
Active Places Data
The Community Sport Asset Transfer Toolkit
This website is aimed at helping people find places
The interactive asset transfer toolkit for sport to play sport. The database holds useful
should be the first point of information on asset information on over 40,000 sites and 60,000
transfer from a sports perspective for National facilities, and includes sports hall facilities. This will
Governing Bodies of Sport, County Sport be a useful tool that will help to identify current
Partnerships, community and voluntary groups, supply of halls in an area.
Local Authorities, and other sports partners. The http:/www.activeplaces.com
toolkit provides information, resources and case
studies that will be of use for anyone Active Places Power
contemplating asset transfer in a sports context.
This is a password protected website, aimed at
http://www.sportengland.org/assettoolkit/
local authorities and other facility providers. It is
Comparison of Business Models for Multi-Sport one of a number of tools which can be used to
assist in the strategic planning of sports facilities.
4 and 5 court halls
Assessments can be undertaken of sports facility
This comparison provides: provision within a local authority area to provide
an understanding of the catchments of existing or
• Useful contextual background relating to the proposed sports facilities.
options of 4 and 5 court halls
http:/www.activeplacespower.com
• An abridged business case for both halls

24
Appendix 6

Abbreviations

LA Local Authority

NGB National Governing Body

PE Physical Education

HE Higher Education

FE Further Education

FPM Facilities Planning Model

VFM Value for Money

CSP County Sport Partnership

DGN Design Guidance Note

RIBA Royal Institute of British Architects

25
Appendix 7

Glossary of terms

Project Team A typical Project Team will consist of:

• Members of senior management or club officials

• Representatives form key partners / potential users of the facility such as
sports clubs.
• Local Authority representatives
• Stakeholders / Working Group / Partners
• NGB Facility and / or Development Officers

Design Team A typical Design Team will normally incorporate an Architect and Quantity
Surveyor supported by other consultants such as a Structural Engineer and
Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) engineer. In addition, there will be a CDM
Coordinator to advise on Health and Safety issues. On large or complicated
projects, the team may include a Project Manager as well as other specialists
such as acoustic consultants. The Design Team works with the established
project team.

Project Brief The Project Brief is a high level document that sets out the overarching goals
and requirements for the project so that it is clear what type and scale of facility
is required and any special requirements or constraints that may impact on the
design and management of the facility.

Design Brief The Design Brief is a document or series of documents that are based on the
sports specific requirements and business plan, setting out the detailed
requirements of the facility. It will include schedules of accommodation with key
relationships, an indication of likely budgets and timescales, information on the
levels of specification that need to be achieved and any specific constraints that
need to be met.

RIBA Plan of Work An Outline Plan of Work set out by the Royal Institute of British Architects that
divides the design and construction process into convenient work stages. Design
Team services and fees are usually based on these.
See the following weblinks for further details:
http://www.architecture.com/Files/RIBAProfessionalServices/Practice/
OutlinePlanofWork(revised).pdf

and for Sport England’s ‘Better Places for Sport’:

http://www.sportengland.org/facilities__planning/design_and_cost_guidance/other_
design_guidance.aspx

26
Appendix 8

References
Summary of Information Sources
The information used to inform the Sports Data Sheets referenced in Appendix 3 has been taken from National
Governing Body websites or draft requirements that are in discussion with Sport England. These information
sources are listed below for the respective sports as follows:

Sport National / International Governing Body

Badminton • Badminton England (BE)
http://www.badmintonengland.co.uk

• Sport England (SE)

‘Badminton’ Design Guidance Note - see forthcoming updated version available
from SE website
http://www.sportengland.org/facilities__planning/design_and_cost_guidance/other_
design_guidance.aspx

Basketball • England Basketball (EB)

‘EBL - Standards Summary’ download available from EB website
http://www.englandbasketball.co.uk

• International Basketball Federation (FIBA)

2010 Court marking diagram download titled ‘FIBA Court Markings 2010_130’
available from EB / FIBA websites
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/FIBA/ruleRegu/baskOffiRule.asp

Cricket Practice • England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)

‘Indoor sports halls with Cricket Provision’ TS3 download available from ECB
website (2008)
http://www.ecb.co.uk

Netball • England Netball (EN)

Facilities and Court Information available from EN website (March 2011)
http://www.englandnetball.co.uk/the-game/Facilities_and_Courts

• International Federation of Netball Associations (IFNA)

‘Indoor Netball Facility Requirements’ for National and International levels of play
(Development section)
http://www.netball.org

27
References (cont/d...)

Sport National / International Governing Body

Volleyball • Volleyball England (VE)
Facilities Strategy Technical Guidelines download titled ‘download4890’
(2009) available from VE website
http://www.volleyballengland.org

• Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB)

‘Official Volleyball Rules 2005’ download titled ‘FIVB.2005.VB.RulesOfTheGame.
Eng-Fre’ available from the FIVB website
http://www.fivb.ch

Sport England (SE) • ‘Sports Halls Design & Layouts’ Design Guidance Note

• ‘Floors for indoor Sports’ Design Guidance Note

• ‘Accessible Sports Facilities’ Design Guidance Note

• ‘Active Places’

• ‘Active Places Power’

• ‘Facilities Planning Model’

http://www.sportengland.org/facilities__planning.aspx

28
Appendix 9

Useful contacts

Organisation Contact Tel / E-mail

Badminton England 01908 268 400
National Badminton Centre, Jonathan Lee [email protected]
Milton Keynes MK8 9LA

England Basketball 0114 284 1060

PO Box 3971, Sheffield, S9 Peter Griffiths [email protected]
9AZ

England and Wales Cricket Board 0161 877 6643

Places Team, County Cricket Bruce Cruse [email protected]
Ground, Old Trafford,
Manchester M16 0PX

England Netball 01462 442344

9 Paynes Park, Hitchin, See weblink http://www.englandnetball.co.uk/the-game/Facilities_and_
Hertfordshire SG5 1EH adjacent Courts/Facilities_Information

Volleyball England 01509 227722

English Volleyball Keith Nicholls [email protected]
Association, SportPark,
Loughborough University, 3
Oakwood Drive,
Loughborough LE11 3QF

Sport England 08458 508 508

3rd Floor Victoria House, See weblink http://www.sportengland.org/facilities__planning/design_
Bloomsbury Square, London adjacent guidance_notes/technical_team/technical_team_enquiry_
WC1B 4SE form.aspx

29
Alternative Languages and Formats:
This document can be provided in alternative languages, or alternative
formats such as large print, Braille, tape and on disk upon request.
Call the Sport England switchboard on 08458 508 508 for more details

Acknowledgements:

Sport England thank the following individuals and organisations for their contribution:
Badminton England (Jonathan Lee)
England Basketball (Peter Griffiths)
England and Wales Cricket Board (Bruce Cruse / Dan Musson)
England Netball (Fran Connolly)
Volleyball England (Keith Nicholls)

User Guide:
Before using this guidance for any specific projects all users should refer to the User Guide to understand
when and how to use the guidance as well as understanding the limitations of use.

Click here for ‘User Guide’

www.sportengland.org/facilties__planning/design_and_cost_guidance/user_guide.aspx

Click here for current ‘Design

http://www.sportengland.org/facilities__planning/design_and_cost_guidance.aspx
and Cost Guidance’

Issue Tracker:
001 – Initial Publication: October 2011

Sport England
3rd Floor Victoria House
Bloomsbury Square
London
WC1B 4SE

Tel : +44 (0)8458 508 508 978-1-86078-263-3

© Sport England, October 2011

Further Information:
To find out more about Sport England and to get the latest news and information about our various
initiatives and programmes, please go to www.sportengland.org
30