A new state-of-the-art sports pavilion in Langton Green has won an award for construction projects across Europe.
The sports facility was hailed by the President of the Football Foundation, Lord Pendry, as ‘architecturally the most impressive’ that he has ever opened.
The 1966 World Cup winner George Cohen, local MP Greg Clark also attended the inauguration in September with Lord Pendry, who was representing the UK’s biggest sports charity.
The pavilion, which was designed and built by Kent company Directline Structures, has received the Astron Small and Smart Award. Astron is the leading European supplier of steel components.
It took eight months build the £460,000 bespoke pavilion. Directline Structures’ Managing Director, Duncan Murray, and architect Katy Barker worked in close collaboration with the Langton Green Community Sports Association (LGCSA).
When the LGCSA first approached Directline Structures, planning permission had already been granted for renovating and extending of the existing pavilion. The firm offered a new building for the same cost as a refurbished one.
Mr Murray said: “They were sceptical at first and nervous about resubmitting their planning application as they thought they might lose the £384,000 funding they’d been granted by the Premier League and FA [Football Association] Facilities Fund.
He added: “We were able to show them and the FA how the scheme we were proposing fundamentally offered the same provisions but in a much more efficient and attractive building that was totally designed for purpose.”
The new pavilion provides a home for Langton Green’s thriving football community, the local netball club and other community sports.
LGCSA Chairman Guy Lambert said: “We’re so glad we chose Directline Structures to design and build our new pavilion. From the outset Duncan and Katy were honest, approachable and reliable.”
He added: “Katy’s design sits beautifully in its surroundings and we have received numerous comments about how attractive the building is – a modern structure with echoes of tradition.
“On the inside, it’s simply amazing. The steel structure is such an intelligent solution that maximises the internal space available. It will allow our charity to achieve so much more for our members.
Ms Barker said: “A lot of detailed features were developed in collaboration with the client to deliver the most efficient and functional building possible for their budget. They aren’t necessarily ‘wow’ features but are hugely practical and beneficial!
“The pavilion has high ceilings which provide exceptional acoustics and large glazed doors to the front to allow spectators and players to move in and out easily on match days.”
