Planning Permission Granted for the Sports Centre Expansion at Oakham School

Planning permission has now been granted for the Sports Centre expansion works at Oakham School, a leading independent co-educational boarding and day school in Rutland. This exciting project is set to further enhance the athletic facilities at Oakham School, providing students, staff, and spectators with an excellent environment for sports and fitness activities.

National practice, GSSArchitecture, have been appointed by the school to provide Architectural and Quantity Surveying services for the project. GSS are also working with the school to redesign and fitout the ‘Old School’ Performing Arts Centre, which has received listed building consent. 

Sport plays a significant role in the life of Oakham School. The school offers a broad spectrum of sporting activities, promoting physical fitness and teamwork. The proposed project aims to elevate the athletic facilities by introducing state-of-the-art weightlifting and gym amenities. Additionally, the project will provide improved storage solutions for the existing sports hall, allowing more flexibility in its use.

With careful planning and consideration of safety measures, the new facilities will not only meet regulatory standards but also enrich the educational experience at Oakham School. By creating a more inclusive sports environment, the project will benefit students and engage parents in the school community.

Tom Jagger, Project Lead and Partner at GSS, said “We are delighted to see that this project has gained planning permission and can continue to progress. The new extension will house modern strength and conditioning equipment and brand-new facilities for the students at Oakham School, enhancing the fantastic sports provision already on offer.”

Steve May, Director of Sport at Oakham School, said: "Sport is an integral part of life at Oakham School, where we champion participation, performance, and personal development across a wide range of disciplines. This expansion of our Sports Centre reflects our commitment to nurturing every pupil’s potential - whether they’re representing the school at national level or discovering a lifelong love of fitness. The new facilities will support our holistic approach to sport, providing inclusive, high-quality spaces that inspire confidence, resilience and teamwork."

GSS have been working with Oakham School over many years, previously delivering a five-year development programme which included a new teaching facility, new boarding house and a state-of-the-art library, information and study centre. Alongside this they have extensive experience providing sports and leisure facilities in the Education sector, such as the new Sports Hall and Gym delivered for Beauchamp College in Oadby.