Constructing spaces for active communities
Sport, Leisure & Entertainment demonstrates more than any other sector the requirement for a comprehensive blend of expertise.
Across the UK and the UAE, we’ve consistently delivered high-profile developments alongside some impressive clients, including Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur training grounds, the ExCel Centre, in the Royal Docks for Adnec, and The UK pavilion, in the UAE for the UK Government.
Our experience with large scale sports and leisure stadiums are industry leading. McLaren Construction are delivering the 16,500-seat indoor Cardiff arena for Live Nation. The new arena is designed with world-class acoustics and sight lines to host major international artists and will attract more than one million visitors a year.
What we do
Expert consultants will ensure Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) in our Sport & Leisure projects. This is the key to a solid supply chain and buildability, and factors in lifecycle considerations from the outset.
All of our leisure installations are evaluated against established project benchmarks and Market Intelligence (MI) to inform the design process. And our specialised Sport & Leisure steering group oversees progress at key gateways, providing clients with comprehensive support throughout the pre-construction and delivery phases.
Swimming pools present unique complexities. Drainage design is essential for lifecycle maintenance; condensation issues are designed out through dew point analysis, and the tiling specification and installation strategy must also consider mechanical, electrical, and plumbing items to ensure a delay-free programmes.
Our team has specialist skills in the construction of Olympic and high-performance pools, ensuring the design is fit for purpose and expensive remedial works are avoided.
Maximising the lifecycle of timber-floored gymnasiums and sports halls requires humidity equalisation before installation. This prevents warping and lifting. We factor this in early, so clients can maximise longevity and value.
We also explore modular units that offer significant advantages in buildability and maintenance. Whatever the design, we support and coordinate the integration of services with other adjacent installations.
Stadiums and training grounds
McLaren has delivered top-level training facilities and stadium projects, including state-of-the-art centres for Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City. These projects require a clear understanding of how elite sports environments work—balancing performance needs with practical design and high-quality delivery. We manage complex programmes and stakeholder requirements to ensure facilities are delivered to the highest standard and ready for use at the highest level of competition.
The Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre, home to the club’s first team and academy, is recognised as one of the best in Europe.
Bringing science and sports together under one building to deliver world-class facilities.
Our flagship project and one of the most sustainable we have ever been a part of.
Key Contacts
