Lapworth Architects were appointed by Olympic gymnast Joe Fraser to design and deliver his first dedicated gymnastics facility in Lichfield. The project transformed two redundant industrial units at Shires Industrial Estate into a permanent home for training, competition and community sport. It is now open and fully operational, hosting daily sessions for children, young people and adults from across the Midlands.
The commission was built on a clear brief. Joe Fraser wanted a practical, durable space that could grow with his club, something that matched his own discipline as an athlete. Our task was to shape that vision into a building that met British Gymnastics technical standards while sitting comfortably in its industrial setting. We retained the original steel frame and created an uninterrupted clear span with safe ceiling heights for all men’s and women’s apparatus. Natural light, acoustic performance and efficient ventilation were balanced to make the interior bright, quiet and comfortable throughout the day.
British Gymnastics formally supported the proposal, recognising its role in expanding access to the sport and aligning with the council’s Active Communities 2050 strategy. They described the project as a model for community development, helping local families gain access to training that promotes balance, coordination and confidence. The application received full approval from Lichfield District Council.
The design gives priority to simplicity and clarity. From arrival to training floor, movement through the building is direct and legible. Ancillary rooms like classrooms, café, changing areas and storage are grouped along one side to keep the main hall open and adaptable. The external treatment uses standing-seam cladding and proportioned openings to modernise the façade without disguising the building’s origins.
Joe Fraser has spoken publicly about the collaboration, praising the team’s availability and attention to detail: “They went above and beyond to help me and my team secure our change of use, working tirelessly around the clock to make sure everything was ready.”
Lapworth Architects designed the Joe Fraser Gymnastics Centre in Lichfield, transforming an industrial unit into a state-of-the-art training and community facility.
Planning and coordination were handled through Lapworth’s digital workflow, using UK Planning Gateway to prepare council-ready documentation, track revisions and keep communication consistent between consultants and Lichfield District Council. The same process underpins Lapworth’s projects across Birmingham, ensuring reliability and transparency from concept to approval.
For anyone searching for architects in Lichfield or architects in Birmingham, this project captures how Lapworth Architects approach design: straightforward, disciplined and responsive to real community value. The result is a working building that brings elite sport and local participation together, proving that good design can make ambition accessible.
