Club unveils future plans for Lotus Training Centre development

Designed by Norwich-based company LSI, the latest planning applications comprise a new recovery hub, administration and media facility.

Plans are also in place to re-clad several existing buildings to bring unity between the old and new across the Hethersett site.

LSI Architects were responsible for the previous on-site development of the academy and first team gym facilities that were completed in 2019.

The new recovery hub will contain a swimming pool, with additional aqua therapy areas, including hot and cold recovery baths, an underwater treadmill and camera systems to monitor movements.

The new administration and media building will provide a permanent location for operations and media staff that are currently located in a temporary modular building at the front of the site, whilst also providing a new campus reception for visitors.

Plans are in place for the scheme to be clad in brickwork at ground floor level and features a brick colonnade to the main entrance with areas of brickwork detailing, with the upper storey clad in Siberian Larch timber cladding to align with the recently completed academy and gym facilities.

Timber fins have been introduced within the timber cladding to emphasise the verticality, a common motif across all the new buildings and interior interventions across the campus.

Zoe Ward, business and projects director at Norwich City, said: “As part of our ongoing and long-term vision across all areas of the football club, we know the importance of continuing to plan for the future.

“This latest stage of planning at the Lotus Training Centre will see the introduction of an administration and media provision, as well as a state-of-the-art recovery and hydrotherapy facility over the coming years.

“We’re extremely proud to have one of the leading training facilities across the country. This next step of development is another important step towards building a successful long-term future, both on and off the pitch.”

Rob Ruffles, senior associate at LSI Architects, added: “We’re delighted to be continuing our work with the football club, planning and developing this latest phase of works at the Lotus Training Centre.

“Whilst the facilities satisfy a variety of different functional needs, we have been keen to ensure that the principals of biophilic design are embedded across the site.

“This unity will continue to support the club with the dynamic, contemporary and professional facilities that will help to attract the best talent and the best developers of talent.”