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Chellaram Sports Complex shortlisted for education property awards

The Chellaram Sports Complex at Clifton College Sports Ground has been shortlisted for the Decarbonisation/Green Project of the year at the ¿´Æ¬¿ñÈË Property Awards 2025. As one of the largest indoor school sports facilities in the South West, the Chellaram Sports Complex supports a wide range of sports at Clifton College, while being open to the local community for both regular and one-off bookings.


This recognition highlights the commitment of Clifton College, Alec French Architects and Speller Metcalfe to create a sustainable, energy-efficient sports facility that meets the highest environmental standards while benefitting the local community.

The Chellaram Sports Complex boasts cutting-edge green technology, including air source heat pumps that absorb heat from the environment and thermal battery technology to store energy for later reuse. The facility also features passive ventilation to regulate airflow and temperature within the sports hall, contributing to significant energy savings.

Inside the complex, energy-efficient LED lighting and ventilation systems further reduce the building’s carbon footprint, alongside heat pumps that limit the need for fossil fuels in climate control. These sustainable features are expected to delivery long-term cost savings in both energy demand and maintenance.

The development team also focused on reducing waste and reusing materials. For example, excavated stone was repurposed into gabions, and excess was used to reclad an existing building. Further waste timber was donated to the Community Wood Recycling Scheme, promoting the circular economy and providing social value. Biodiversity was a key consideration, with a wildflower biodiverse roof, native woodland planting, hedgerows, and a wildflower meadow incorporated into the design. The complex also features bat and bird boxes on the roof, providing a refuge for wildlife. These initiatives have led to an 80%biodiversity net gain, far exceed the environmental policy’s requirement of a 10% improvement.2


Dr Tim Greene, Head of Clifton College, commented: 'I’m delighted that the Chellaram Sports Complex is a finalist in the Decarbonisation/Green Project of the Year award. The Chellaram Sports Complex is a wonderful facility for the College and the wider community. I know all those who are now benefitting from this project and such a superb new facility will want to join me in expressing our gratitude to Alec French Architects, Speller Metcalfe, and the Chellaram Foundation for making it possible.'

Joy stone, associate director at Alec French Architects, who specialises in designing school buildings, said: 'We are thrilled that the Chellaram Sports Complex has been shortlisted for this prestigious national property award. This flagship development allows Clifton College to reduce its dependence on the national grid whilst transforming the range of sport it can deliver within one carefully designed space.'

The ¿´Æ¬¿ñÈË Property Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in the education property sector, recognising innovative projects, organisations, and individuals. The winners will be announced on May 20th at the Leeds Marriott Hotel.

Community Use and Impact

As one of the largest indoor school sports facilities in the South West, the Chellaram Sports Complex accommodates a wide range of sports. The facility includes:ï‚· Sports England Premier Level of Play for Netball, Hockey and Basketball.ï‚· A sprung multi-purpose floor that can support three netball courts, tennis courts, basketball courts, ten cricket lanes, a bouldering wall, an indoor hockey pitch, and space for touch rugby. Beyond benefitting Clifton College pupils, the complex plays a vital role in the wider Bristol community, with 52% of users coming from local schools, amateur and professional teams, and community groups. Notable users include Gloucestershire Cricket, the University of Bristol, Clifton Robinsons Hockey, and Premier Romans Netball Club. The facility also works closely with Bristol’s Community of Purpose, supporting disadvantaged young people. The official opening event of the complex was attended by key figures, including the Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol, emphasising its role as a centre for community engagement and local development.

Bookings and Enquiries

The Chellaram Sports Complex is available for both regular and one-off bookings. To make an enquiry or to request a booking, please contact:
Email: ccsgbookings@cliftoncollege.com
Phone: 0117 923 7780 
Website: www.ccsl-cliftoncollege.com/sports-ground/chellaram-sports-centre

May 2025