News / Abbots Leigh
School sports complex tipped for top green award
A school sports complex in Bristol has been shortlisted for a prestigious national property award for its sustainability credentials.
The Chellaram Sports Complex, the state-of-the-art sports facility of Clifton College, has been nominated for the Decarbonisation/Green Project of the Year at the Education Property Awards 2025.
Designed by Alec French Architects and delivered by Speller Metcalfe, the facility has been in use as a Sport England premier play venue. It features a sprung multi-purpose floor capable of accommodating a wide range of sports.
Opened in September 2024, the complex houses an eight-court hall for netball, tennis, basketball, and badminton, among other sports, as well as hospitality and catering facilities.
Chaellaram Sports Complex was opened in September 2024 and has been premier facility for Sport England and other local schools
Joy Stone, associate director at Alec French Architects, who specialises in designing school buildings, said: “We are thrilled that the Chellaram Sports Complex has been shortlisted for this prestigious national property award.
“This flagship development allows Clifton College to reduce its dependence on the national grid whilst transforming the range of sport it can deliver within one carefully designed space.”
The Beggar Bush Lane-located sports complex, which has achieved a BREEAM Excellent sustainable building rating, replaced the school’s previous “bubble” sports dome, which required significant amount of energy to maintain.
The new building incorporates air source heat pumps that absorb heat from the environment, as well as thermal battery technology to store energy for later reuse. The facility also uses passive ventilation to regulate airflow and temperature within the sports hall.
In a nod to biodiversity, the complex features a wildflower-populated roof, and the site includes native woodland planting and a wildflower meadow, aiming to deliver an 80 per cent biodiversity net gain.
As well as serving Clifton College, the Chellaram Sports Complex is also used by community groups and local schools.
“We are thrilled that the Chellaram Sports Complex has been shortlisted for this prestigious national property award,” said associate director at Alec French Architects
Dr Tim Greene, head of Clifton College, said: “I’m delighted that the Chellaram Sports Complex is a finalist in the Decarbonisation/Green Project of the Year award. The Chellaram Sports Complex is a wonderful facility for the College and the wider community.
“I know all those who are now benefitting from this project and such a superb new facility will want to join me in expressing our gratitude to Alec French Architects, Speller Metcalfe, and the Chellaram Foundation for making it possible.”
The Education Property Awards recognise innovative projects, organisations and individuals in the education property sector.
The winners will be announced at a special event on May 20 at the Leeds Marriott Hotel.
All photos: Alec French
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