United by sport

We are proud to support United by Sport, an initiative led by Turner & Townsend in collaboration with local authorities, sporting organisations and the private sector. The ambition is to position the North East as a centre of sporting excellence by increasing participation in sport and physical activity. This aligns with our aim to create places that act as sustainable community catalysts and support a clear sense of belonging.

Sports and leisure venues have a vital role in helping people lead active, healthy lives. Inactivity remains one of the most significant public health challenges in the UK, closely linked to obesity and related health conditions. More than 30% of the population now fall into these categories, and the North East ranks among the highest regions. The wider impact is substantial, with physical inactivity estimated to cost the NHS around £6.5 billion every year and rising.

This is where thoughtful design can make a real difference.

Britannia Leisure Centre was built as part of the largest public-sector investment in the London Borough of Hackney for a generation. The local council sought to address community health inequalities by creating a welcoming and accessible sports centre.

Britannia leisure centre hackney london water fitness class 3x2

Sports and leisure facilities should be created with participation at their core. From our experience, removing barriers to entry begins with understanding the communities these facilities serve. There is no universal solution. Every place and every community are different. Meaningful engagement with local groups helps us understand the cultural, social and economic factors that shape how people use sports facilities. These insights reveal both real and perceived barriers to participation, which can be addressed through inclusive, welcoming and accessible design.

Increasing participation also strengthens the long-term viability of sports venues. Higher usage supports revenue generation, while energy-efficient design and operational strategies help reduce running costs. This balance is important for facilities that operate in a challenging financial environment.

Ravelin sports centre university of portsmouth gym with large ceiling cooling fan 16x9

Ravelin Sports Centre has set the standard for ultra-low energy sports facilities.

“It’s really about talking to people. Understanding what people need from a sports and leisure facility. Getting people through the door is key."

Steve McIntyre,
Partner

Beacon of light sunderland children playing football in rooftop football barn 3x2

The first of its kind in the UK, Beacon of Light is a unique, not-for-profit community hub with engaging and interactive zones for education, interaction, sport and play.

West denton leisure centre newcastle upon tyne proposed aerial cgi visualisation of new swimming pool 10x11

Outer West Leisure Centre is one of the largest investments in this Newcastle for many years. The centre will offer new opportunities for community sport, recreation, and social activities with its 25-metre competition swimming pool and further facilities.

Encouraging more people to take part in sport is about more than facilities alone. It is about creating environments that make activity accessible, appealing and part of everyday life.

By focusing on participation and tackling the root causes of inactivity, initiatives like United by Sport represent a positive and enduring ambition for the North East, and for sport across the UK. We are excited to see how far the initiative can continue to grow.

Creating environments that make sport part of everyday life.