Andrew Wright Associates and S&P Architects won the competition to design Scunthorpe’s new Sports Academy. The brief called for an innovative design that would reinterpret the traditional ‘shoebox’ sports building to produce an inspirational attraction that would draw people back into Scunthorpe Central Park and inspire active recreation. With a budget of £16m, the design includes a 25 metre, eight lane swimming pool, a training pool, a six court sports hall, a health and fitness centre, a café and associated offices and support facilities.

The practices shortlisted for the competition were: de Rijke Marsh Morgan, Jestico & Whiles with Barker and Coutts, DLA Architecture with Urban Design, DSP Architects with the Landscape Agency, and Hot Architecture with Planit EDC.

North Lincolnshire Council leader Liz Redfern said the winning scheme provided the 'perfect answer' to the authority's regeneration aims.

'We could have taken the safe route and chosen a traditional design, but we must be bold and ambitious,' she said. 'The chosen design reflects our aspirations for the future of Scunthorpe and North Lincolnshire. The design represents the people's choice, as well as being the unanimous choice of the selection panel.'

Awards/Recognition

Runner-up in the culture category for 'Make a Difference in Yorkshire and Humber' awards

Winner of a Green Apple Award for Sustainability, a Public Realm Award

Best Community Project by the LABC Building Excellence Awards

Most sustainable building/development of 2011 at the Property Industry Awards Yorkshire