Designing and evaluating carbon neutral / negative development options for Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre
Lead Research Organisation:
De Montfort University
Department Name: LMS - Leicester Media School
Abstract
As agreed with AHRC please see the Case for Support attachment for the full application information
Organisations
| Description | This project report summarizes the process and outcomes of an AHRC-funded Design Exchange Partnership ('Net Zero' grant) between De Montfort University (Prof Tracy Harwood), Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre (LOPC centre manager, Stuart Fraser) and Zainab Mohammed (PhD candidate at De Montfort University). The project ran between November 2021 and July 2022. The project aims were to evaluate carbon neutral/negative design and development options for LOPC buildings and site; to devise a concept design that integrated the 150 years old heritage of LOPC and its 15 acres of flood plain close to the centre of Leicester city; explore how the buildings on the site may become flood resilient; address the business needs to extend activities to achieve LOPC's business goals; reflecting net zero in all aspects of it operations; assess current user needs to evaluate where physical space is required; explore how environmental empathy could be built into the site's future development scheme; and to consider how stakeholders could be integrated into future developments of LOPC through the lifecycle of the site development process. The work undertaken involved a detailed site evaluation and presentation of preliminary findings to LOPC's Board of Trustees before embarking on concept development. Concept development then drew inspiration from three aspects of the site evaluation process - • heritage of LOPC building (Swiss chalet A-frame design) • River Soar and its flow through the LOPC site • river-based sports activities that have taken place on the LOPC site throughout its history of kayaking and canoeing The preliminary design concepts included three blocks that could be built as a phased development allowing for fund raising and income from new activities to be generated over an extended time period. Blocks were designed to address site flood risks identified and to increase accommodation for staff and operational amenities and facilities. Design concepts were integrated into a stakeholder evaluation consultation strategy. Evaluation involved a mixed methods research design comprising interviews, focus groups and a survey with key stakeholder groups identified by LOPC. Data was collected between March and May 2022. Analysis of findings highlighted broad and enthusiastic support for the potential design concept and accommodation as well as a number of potential new activities that require further exploration. Key suggestions were then integrated into the preliminary designs resulting in refined concepts which have been included as an appendix to this report. |
| Exploitation Route | Recommendations resulting from the project relate to the additional activities identified which need to be explored and modelled to determine business and operational impact, income potential and how the site is developed. The further work will be undertaken by LOPC and enable it to determine next steps in generating an income strategy for funding the site developments, business growth and integration into Leicester's broad plans for citizen health and wellbeing by, for example, connecting with other infrastructure and tourism developments in the city, developing new partnerships, and in raising user group awareness and interest in LOPC. |
| Sectors | Environment,Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism |
| Description | The project is part of the Design Museum's Future Observatory programme on Net Zero. The project outcomes led LOPC to be included in the city's Cultural Strategy for Tourism Action Plan 2020-2025, and being invited to join the City Tourism Forum as a member. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2022 |
| Sector | Environment,Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism |
| Impact Types | Cultural,Policy & public services |