With over 30 years’ experience, gcp has a proven track record of facilitating transformative development for sport across the UK.
We bring a focus on genuine collaboration, a passion for sustainable development and a wealth of technical experience to every project.
Working with national bodies and independent clubs alike, we have highlighted opportunity for development and secured planning consent for sports facilities across a wide range of contexts.
Feasibility Study
Is development on a given site viable? We will provide you with a realistic appraisal for your development at the very earliest stage of the project. Our rigorous process involves establishing the legal, technical and planning constraints attached to a site and analysing the context whilst being aware of commercial concerns surrounding development. We will advise you on the site-specific risks and opportunities and demonstrate how you might maximise the potential of a site for sport and community use.
Design
After thorough discussions to ensure everyone is working to the same clear objectives, we will progress the designs seeking your feedback and referring to official guidance from sport bodies throughout the process. We will recommend the involvement of other specialists at the right time and can coordinate their input. We will develop detailed proposals for healthy, sustainable development and communicate these effectively to you through drawings, mood boards and 3D visualisations.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
We recommend engaging with local communities and stakeholders early on. Genuine collaboration removes barriers and enables your project to garner support across the community and best serve its need. We organise and lead consultation events in the community, with club members, or local design groups.
Planning Application
Navigating the planning system to obtain approval is complicated. We will guide you through the process and manage each step so that there are no nasty surprises. Informed by detailed understanding of policy context, we will prepare and submit planning applications and engage in proactive conversation with the Local Authority to help you achieve the desired outcome.
The new home of Swindon Town Fc Community Foundation, Foundation Park.
Energy Modelling and Performance
Our team will provide environmental design guidance to ensure your facilities are built for the long term. We undertake energy modelling to understand the building’s performance, provide the calculations needed to demonstrate compliance with planning policy and Building Regulations, and can help you achieve particular targets such as Passivhaus and Zero-Carbon.
Marketing Images
We can support your club branding by providing graphics publicising the facilities which tie into the story you are selling to existing and future members.
Successful development embraces constraints to trigger innovation.
Development is not easy! gcp has a wealth of experience across a wide range of issues and the determination to find solutions that work for you, your members and the wider community. From planning constraints such as flood risk to strict design guides from offical sports bodies, and limited budget, we’ve worked with it all. Our knowledge enables us to give realistic advice and propose ambitious yet achievable outcomes.
