The proposal is situated amongst the adjoining public space of the Cables Wynd post-war housing block in Leith, a key urban junction with a large social concentration and a vibrant potential. Undertaking careful research of local and historical material and tectonic strategies contributed to a sensitive and measured response to the site, resulting in a fresh new community sports centre in the heart of Leith that breathes new life into the neighbourhood and creates an active and dynamic setting in which to exercise, compete and gather.
Leith Community Sports Centre is primarily constructed out of rammed earth and timber, while a stone colonnade encircles the proposal and acts as a permanent bastion of civic opportunity and future public use. The design is split into three main areas - the eastern wing stretches out towards the existing park and houses the multi-use sports hall complete with football pitch on the roof. Enclosed by the colonnade, the outdoor multi-use sports court complements the sports hall and acts as both a convivial centre for community interaction as well as an active zone for play and exercise. The west wing is comprised of the climbing wall, gym, activity rooms and cafeteria and follows the key datum of Henderson Street. Splitting these wings is the central reception and circulation atrium, the nucleus of the project, which connects the social with the sportive, the athlete with the spectator.
