Fabric Canopy Caps Off Stunning Sports Pavilion at Wellington College

A stunning fabric canopy provides the finishing touches to a new, purpose built, sports pavilion at Wellington College in Crowthorne, which opens in time for the start of the new rugby season.

The ultra modern pavilion, which complements the school’s enviable reputation for sporting success, has been designed and built by Beard to provide modern and flexible facilities for both home and visiting players.

The building includes changing rooms, stores, kitchen and a large first floor function room and balcony with views over the School’s Bigside rugby pitch, together with bespoke terrace seating for 190 spectators, all protected beneath the overhanging canopy.

Gerald Burbidge, works bursar for Wellington College, commented: “All of the Wellington community were most impressed with the building both in the design, details and quality of the build.  This was Beard’s first project at Wellington College which was more than delivered. The team on site took ownership, formed partnerships, understood our needs and also applied the dedication, not only to consider the big picture, but to explore the details to produce a master piece for our sporting activities in the future.”

Beard Project Manager, Steven Ford, explained: “Providing the structural support within the building for the free-standing canopy which overflies the pavilion presented some initial challenges. Four large concrete columns, hidden in the structure, proved the solution. By fully integrating designers and consultants in the team we were able to achieve the strong partnering approach we needed, with all round customer benefits including savings of over £50,000 on the project cost.”