Loughborough College’s Cutting Edge Sports Centre Shortlisted for Regional Construction Award
Friday 1st May 2026
Loughborough College’s state-of-the-art Sports Centre has been shortlisted in the Exceptional Public Sector Project category at the Regional Finals of the 2026 RICS Awards.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Awards celebrate excellence in the built environment, recognising projects that demonstrate outstanding innovation, sustainability, and community impact.
Opened in 2025, the new Sports Centre represents a major investment in sporting excellence and education. The facility includes a multi-use sports hall, cutting-edge fitness suites, and dedicated training and teaching spaces designed to support the development and education of elite athletes.
The facility was constructed by leading regional contractor, Stepnell, with sustainability and environmentally responsible practices at the core of the development.
Judges for the RICS Awards praised shortlisted projects for their contribution to public value and their ability to meet the evolving needs of communities. Loughborough College’s Sports Centre stood out for its modern design, fabric-first approach, and positive impact on student experience.
Dale Richardson, Executive Director of Estates for Loughborough College Group expressed his excitement, stating: “We are delighted that our Sports Centre has been recognised by the RICS Awards.
“This shortlisting reflects the vision and hard work that went into creating a facility that not only enhances our campus but also serves the wider community. It’s a testament to our College’s commitment to excellence in education and wellbeing.”
Being shortlisted is a significant achievement and highlights the College’s continued commitment to providing high-quality facilities for students, staff, and the wider community. The newly opened building is part of a wider £30 million investment of the Loughborough College site, which also includes a net-zero Institute of Technology building, and a new Digital Skills Hub for the development of digital skills and adult learning in the region.
The East Midlands Regional Finals will take place later this year, where winners will be announced across a range of categories. Successful regional projects will then go on to compete at the national level.
