Revoe Learning Academy, Blackpool

THE CHALLENGE – Create a covered outdoor space to encourage more extra-curricular and community activities

Revoe Learning Academy is made up from three local academies – Park Devonshire and Anchorsholme – and sponsored by the Blackpool Multi Academy Trust (MAT). In 2014, the school was in crisis following a troublesome year of staff suspensions and a damning Ofsted report. It was rated inadequate and placed in special measures. Faced with rising crime & drug use in the community, and a school that was struggling to meet its targets, Headteacher Dayle Harrison was brought in to make some desperately needed changes to the entire academy.

Full of passion and dedication, Dayle is a specialist in turning around failing schools, and he was looking for a project that could act as a catalyst for change in the area – something that looked appealing and attractive, as well as being practical. New developments were needed to engage and encourage pupils, transform opinions of the school and provide a positive focal point for the wider community.

THE SOLUTION – A large open area for multi-purpose use, covered with an all-weather canopy

In order to develop an effective and stylish all-weather canopy, Revoe Learning Academy turned initially to Creative SPARC Architects who put a successful bid in to the Conditional Improvement Fund (CIF) and secured planning permission for a sports barn. Although a steel-clad barn was originally the plan for the Academy, after speaking with our experts at Streetspace, a more practical and attractive solution was chosen: a tensile membrane canopy – the Sportspace365™ All-Weather Sports Canopy.

Ideal for schools and multi-use games area, the Sportspace365™ canopy provides the perfect cover during all types of weather – shading on hot, sunny days and a waterproof area to continue sports and activities during wet weather.

The sports canopy is large and airy too, to create a bright, open area underneath – free from obstructive columns. Versatile synthetic surf was installed across the pitch – perfect for all types of sports & activities – and fabric mesh fencing was fitted all around the perimeter. Not only does this stop balls from escaping the enclosure, but it also provides effective protection from wind in this exposed coastal location. CreativeSparc Architects acted as a client representative throughout the whole project.

THE RESULTS – The perfect place for all weather sports, a new school feature and a great addition for the community

This highly effective covered MUGA has proved to be extremely popular with both pupils and the local community. It’s a very attractive part of the school grounds and has already begun to drive change around the local area. Pupils can make full use of the all-weather sports pitch and its canopy for a whole host of games – including rugby, football, cheerleading, cricket, netball, and hockey.

The cover and flexibility of the area also means it’s used by the school and its students for drama performances, outdoor learning, and assemblies. The community also has access for evening and weekend events, including sports, activities and one-off events like summer fairs & Christmas markets.

Follow the link for further information on sports canopies OR give our team a call on 01227 200404