The Vision
Delivered as part of Southwark Council’s plan to expand accessible sports facilities across the borough, the new Burgess Park Sports Centre provides inclusive, modern amenities for the park’s diverse local community. The single storey building houses a clubroom, changing rooms, public amenities and offices for park staff – supporting cricket, rugby and football pitches as well as wider community use.
Sitting along a tree-lined boulevard, the Centre’s distinctive form and perforated copper cladding create a distinctive marker within one of South London’s largest green spaces.
Our Contribution
Hilson Moran provided full building services design, working closely with the design team and contractors to deliver a highly coordinated, efficient and resilient scheme that complements the architect’s vision. Key systems include:
- All-electric strategy with heating provided by an air source heat pump.
- Changing room provision with dedicated ventilation, underfloor heating and a high-capacity domestic hot water system designed for multiple users without loss of output.
- Ventilation solutions integrated discreetly, with ductwork concealed in architectural detailing and local extract fans serving all toilet cubicles.
- Corridors and circulation spaces heated via underfloor systems, improving efficiency and freeing wall space.
- Hot water generation via a cascade system serving both kitchen and changing rooms.
- With a reverse-sloped roof, minimal ceiling voids and limited plant space, our engineers worked in close coordination with the architect and structural team to achieve a compact design, semi-exposed services and high-quality finishes with no compromise on performance.
Design for People
The Centre is designed as a flexible and welcoming community hub. The clubroom overlooks the sports pitches and can open onto external areas during match days, encouraging social connection and enhancing the spectator experience. Carefully integrated services prioritise comfort, durability and ease of use for park staff, athletes and visitors alike.
Design for Planet
The all-electric building strategy supports Southwark Council’s low-carbon ambitions. Heating and hot water are generated via an energy efficient heat pump, while low-carbon finishes such as plywood linings and recyclable, low maintenance materials reduce whole-life impact. Energy-efficient lighting systems further minimise operational consumption, ensuring the Centre is as sustainable as it is inclusive.
