The University of Bath wanted an integrated centre of sporting excellence, providing world-class facilities to inspire elite athletes, university students, the local community, and junior participants.

Cross-fertilisation of ideas and values was key: participants and coaches of different sports would have an opportunity to connect with each other.

The high performance centre was funded largely by Sport England. It comprises a new eight court tennis hall, twelve court multi-purpose hall, indoor athletics centre, 134-metre indoor sprint track, dojo, strength and conditioning rooms, fencing salle, physiotherapy and sports science areas.

The facilities were built around the existing 50-metre pool, pavilion and external provision. The project was completed in 2004.

The project was challenging, requiring rigorous professional and analytical skills. During the pre-construction phase, we had to find a balance between the clients’ aspirations, the funding available and the facilities to be provided by other stakeholders. Conflicts arose around which facilities were essential for Sport England’s agenda, and which facilities were most revenue positive for the University.

Unexpected situations arose, requiring flexibility and lateral thinking. A medical service, for instance, was to be provided with the assistance of supplier funds. When the medical agreement fell through, the funding gap for shared facilities had to be plugged, resulting in an amended brief and reworked budgets.

Davis Langdon’s efforts were at the heart of the cost/funding/revenue equation, and critical to project success. Sound leadership skills, together with our value management workshops, played a significant part in overcoming these issues and ensuring the team remained focused.