Cullinan Studio has been appointed to transform Marlborough Sports Garden into a colourful, state-of-the-art mixed sports facility, promoting health and wellbeing.

The Marlborough Sports Garden is located in the heart of an urban community just behind the very busy Borough High Street in the London Borough of Southwark. Bankside Open Spaces Trust (BOST) has appointed architects Cullinan Studio to realise its vision to provide a state-of-the-art mixed sports facility that is freely available to local school pupils, other children and young people, particularly those who are living in poverty.

Central to Cullinan Studio’s design is that every space and every object does more than one thing. A new, flexible entrance, events, café and training building becomes a climbable structure, as both seating for spectators and step exercises for classes and individuals – raising aerobic potential and viewpoints at the same time. Slides provide a fun way down as a reward for stepping up. High perimeter fences can host climbing plants, banners and giant posters.

Tall props hosting climbing plants will create a distinctive frieze on Union Street, announcing Marlborough Sports Garden to the city. Bold and colourful signage, with supergraphics on walls, ground surfaces and soffits, will define spaces whilst bringing a sense of fun and energy to the Garden.

Cullinan Studio shares BOST’s ambition to apply circular economy thinking to the proposals and will work together to find how local people, particularly young people, can get involved in all stages of the project.

Jack Harrison, Sports Development Manager at BOST said:

“We are excited to work with Cullinan Studio and Southwark Council to complete the final phase of the Marlborough Sports Garden. Through the project, we aim to support the health and well-being of local residents by creating a sustainable, attractively designed and well-managed community space. The refurbishment will focus on the needs of local children and young people, making it easier for them to eat well, exercise more and develop a love for and proficiency in many sports.” 

Kevin Goh of Cullinan Studio said:

“We are delighted to be working with BOST and the community on this wonderful project. At a time where people’s connection with the outdoors and nature has never been more important, the Marlborough Sports Garden will provide an exciting inclusive space that will encourage people of all ages and abilities to engage with sport to improve their health and well-being”