Ashton Park Sports Hub
- Client: Preston City Council
- Type: New Build
- Value: £9.7m
The Ashton Park Sports Hub is a transformative vision for Preston, designed to provide high-quality, professional-grade athletic facilities for the local community. As a key part of the city’s ‘Active Preston’ initiative, the development focuses on improving resident wellbeing through elite-level grassroots sports provision.
Our role as Lead Architect and Town Planner encompassed the comprehensive masterplanning of the parkland and the design of a contemporary, multi-purpose pavilion that serves as a vibrant social and athletic anchor.
What we did
- Lead Architect & Town Planner: Coordinating the multi-disciplinary team to deliver a cohesive masterplan and technical architectural solution.
- Masterplanning: Integrating six precision-drained grass pitches and a high-specification 3G all-weather surface into the existing park landscape.
- Infrastructure Design: Reconfiguration of site access off Pedders Lane, including enhanced parking facilities and the integration of EV charging points.
Design & Innovation
The architectural response for the 1,395 sq m sports hub balances technical sports requirements with a welcoming, community-centric aesthetic. By replacing outdated, unfit facilities, we have created a modern landmark that encourages engagement across all age groups.
Multi-Functional Hub: The two-storey pavilion features a public cafe and reception on the ground floor, with administrative offices, classrooms, and a games room on the first floor to support class-based learning.
Inclusive Accessibility: A primary design driver was the introduction of a new network of footpaths, ensuring the entire site, including the gardens and pitches, is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
Secure Integration: The scheme retains the original perspective and outlines of the neighbouring houses, incorporating a secure gate at the end of the gardens to maintain a clear boundary between public activity and residential privacy.
Sustainability & Performance
Designed to revitalise a site historically challenged by poor ground conditions, the scheme prioritises long-term environmental and social sustainability.
Biodiversity Net Gain: The masterplan is anchored by significant soft landscaping, specifying native tree and shrub species designed to enhance the local ecology and create a sustainable green corridor within the city.
Accessible Connectivity: A core performance requirement was the creation of a non-discriminatory landscape. Our design introduces a comprehensive network of footpaths, ensuring the entire park remains inclusive and fully accessible for wheelchair users.
Future-Proofed Infrastructure: The scheme integrates sustainable transport solutions, including dedicated EV charging points and enhanced pedestrian-first access routes, aligning the site with modern low-carbon standards.
Our Impact
Lead Architect Role: Comprehensive management of the design and planning process.
Community Transformation: Creating a blueprint for a publicly owned hub that improves quality of life.
Strategic Planning: Navigating complex funding streams to deliver a multi-million-pound vision for the city.
“Sport plays a vital role in the health of adults and children, and this new facility will provide first-class facilities for the local community. Working alongside a team of consultants, we have designed a building and external space that will bring new energy to a par
Lawrence McBurney, Director and Architect, Cassidy + Ashton
Thank you
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