Award
Burgess Park Sports Centre shortlisted for NLA Award

Posted 17 September 2025

We are delighted to see Burgess Park Sports Pavilion open to the public this summer. Also to announce that it has been shortlisted for an NLA award in the culture category.

Delivered as part of a wider plan by Southwark Council to expand accessible sports facilities across the borough, the new pavilion plays an important role in encouraging active lifestyles among a diverse local community. Its sculptural presence provides a marker building that helps to enhance the park’s appeal, useability and value as a cherished public space.

We worked closely with the Council and SSL to optimise the building for the widest possible set of visitors, including users of the park’s cricket, rugby and football pitches. The new sports centre is a flexible community space which includes a clubroom, changing rooms, public amenities and offices for park staff.

The single storey building tapers towards the entrance, creating a natural and legible point of arrival for pedestrians. Its extended form frames the edge of the road and mirrors a boulevard of mature lime trees opposite. 

Robust, natural materials are used to complement the pavilion’s park setting. Perforated copper panels are used as cladding to create a pleated façade and an intriguing play of transparency, solidity and shadow. Internally, a simple palette of exposed materials with inherent durability is used to minimise maintenance requirements. The pavilion’s clubroom provides a welcome social space that overlooks the pitches, which can be opened up on match days for spectators to spill outdoors.

Burgess Park Sports Pavilion is a place to play, gather and celebrate. It is a joyful building with the sole purpose of promoting health, wellbeing and inclusivity whilst strengthening the identity of one of south London’s largest parks.

A big thank you to Street Soccer London for letting us capture their training session and providing a brilliant example of the importance of sport in creating positive change and community in Burgess Park.