Swim England has unveiled the transformation of its headquarters at Loughborough University’s SportPark, following a major workplace fit out by Blueprint Interiors.
Designed to support the organisation’s future ambitions, strengthen collaboration and create a more inspiring environment for employees, members and visitors, the refurbishment has reimagined the workspace to better reflect how the organisation works today and where it’s heading in the future.
Workplace consultancy Blueprint – the same company that originally designed and fitted out the office over 15 years ago – has redesigned the space and introduced a range of collaborative workspaces, dedicated areas for focused and flexible working, enhanced learning spaces and a more welcoming environment for visitors.
The investment from Swim England – the national governing body for swimming, diving, artistic swimming and water polo in England – forms part of its wider culture and transformation journey, creating an environment that supports modern ways of working while reinforcing its ambition to lead and serve the aquatic community.
The works represent a long-term investment in the organisation’s future with the new environment designed to create a workplace that actively contributes to Swim England’s culture and strategic objectives.
Maria Papadopoulos, People Director at Swim England, said “Our organisation has changed significantly over the past 15 years, and it was important that our workplace reflected who we are today, where we’re going, and our commitment to delivering great experiences for our members, visitors and team.
“This investment is about much more than updating an office – it’s creating an environment that enables collaboration, supports learning and improves the experience for our people.
“Our new workspace plays an important role in shaping culture, and this refurbishment gives us spaces that encourage teams to work together more collaboratively while providing the flexibility needed for modern ways of working.”
Blueprint Interiors worked closely with Swim England to understand the organisation’s strategic objectives before translating them into a workplace designed around collaboration, operational excellence and employee wellbeing.
As part of the design process, Blueprint worked with Swim England to identify where the budget would deliver the greatest impact. With the existing spatial layout providing a strong foundation, the project focused on creating a range of collaborative environments designed to support the organisation’s new ways of working. Refreshed finishes, furniture and acoustic solutions were introduced to enhance and support these spaces.
Sustainability was a key consideration throughout, with materials reused and recycled wherever possible, including the refurbishment of the original operator chairs that Blueprint had supplied 15 years earlier.
Chloe Sproston, Creative Director at Blueprint Interiors, said: “Returning to redesign a workplace we originally created more than 15 years ago has been incredibly rewarding. Swim England has evolved considerably during that time, and the new environment reflects a very different way of working.
“Our role was to understand not only how the organisation operates today but also how its workplace could support its future ambitions. By creating a balance of collaborative spaces, flexible working areas and quieter environments, we’ve delivered a workplace that supports both the organisation’s culture and its long-term strategic goals.
“It’s been a fantastic partnership from start to finish, and we’re proud to have helped create a space that will support Swim England for many years to come.”
