Modern Community Hub at Old Catton Junior Clubhouse, Norfolk

Redhead Architects has been appointed to design a new community hub and clubhouse for a long-established local junior football club. Developed in close collaboration with the Parish Council and key local stakeholders, the project has been shaped through a series of structured meetings and public consultation events. Throughout the process, 3D modelling and Virtual Reality tools were employed to iteratively test and refine proposals, ensuring that the final design meets a complex and demanding brief.

The new facility will include modern changing areas for players and referees, along with a medical room, all conforming to current Football Association (FA) standards. Safeguarding measures include dedicated WC facilities with external access facing the pitch. A community hall designed to accommodate over 200 people will serve as a flexible venue for events and classes, supported by separate bar and kitchen areas. A dedicated external hatch will provide food service to spectators during match days. Integrated storage solutions will facilitate easy adaptation of the internal space.

The architectural approach is informed by both function and context. A setback ribbon of glazing along the western elevation reduces solar gain while framing views toward the pitch. The building is conceived as a robust, dark volume by night, which transforms during the day as two large gates open to reveal a sheltered entrance porch and café hatch. The interior-facing surfaces of these gates are clad in light timber to signal public access and activity.

The scheme also proposes a new car park with secure emergency access and a clear separation of pedestrian and vehicular routes. The landscape design incorporates DDA-compliant cycle parking and infrastructure for electric vehicle charging. The development prioritises sustainable design principles, including fossil-free energy sources, to align with Net Zero carbon targets.