Newbery Steps Cricket Pavillion
A Project By: Footprint Architects
Newbery Steps Nursery is a demonstration of Footprint Architects’ sensitive approach to restoration and community focused design, showing how historic structures can be renewed to meet contemporary needs. Located within Dean Park, Bournemouth, the project transforms a derelict early twentieth century cricket pavilion into a vibrant nursery and community facility. The listed structure is reconstructed to accommodate essential nursery functions including playrooms, changing facilities, WCs, and storage, enabling it to serve a new role while retaining its protected architectural identity.
The design creates a warm and secure environment while preserving the cultural value embedded within the original pavilion. A previously underused building becomes reactivated as a space for learning and community gathering, reinforcing the social importance of the park setting. Footprint approaches the project as both conservation and renewal, recognising the need to sustain a familiar local landmark while integrating contemporary accommodation required for nursery use.
Balancing heritage preservation with modern sustainability drives the design strategy. The existing timber structure and building fabric are carefully dismantled, assessed, and repaired or reused wherever possible. Irreparable elements are replaced using materials that match the historic aesthetic, ensuring continuity between old and new. Prioritising retention over replacement reduces waste and conserves the distinctive visual language and craftsmanship of the early pavilion, contributing to long term stewardship of a valued heritage asset.
Thermal upgrades and environmental enhancements are integrated to improve performance and longevity. A high performance thermal envelope supports low heating demand and provides a comfortable internal environment. Level access, new foundations, and improved airtightness meet modern building standards and enhance accessibility, while maintaining sensitivity to the character of the historic form. These measures enable the pavilion to perform as an energy efficient, modern educational facility while preserving its authentic identity.
At the centre of the design is the reinstatement of the pavilion’s distinctive barrel vaulted timber roof. The reconstructed roof sits on rebuilt concrete wall supports, maintaining the historic silhouette while delivering improved structural stability and airtightness. The dismantling and reconstruction process provides opportunities to integrate modern environmental measures within the historic fabric, aligning conservation and sustainability outcomes effectively
Newbery Steps Nursery strengthens community value in a setting that retains historical meaning. Families access a nurturing learning environment, while the wider community benefits from the revitalisation of a neglected structure. By returning the building to active use, the project enhances the quality, safety, and civic value of the surrounding parkland. The reuse of the heritage structure reinforces local identity and supports continued engagement with the site.
Through careful restoration, material reuse, and targeted environmental upgrades, the project reflects Footprint Architects’ belief that sustainable design and heritage conservation complement one another. It demonstrates that existing buildings, even those in poor condition, can achieve high quality performance outcomes while reducing resource consumption and retaining cultural continuity.
Newbery Steps Nursery stands as an example of low carbon heritage retrofit that balances modern environmental requirements with respect for historic character. The restored pavilion continues its life as a valued community asset, illustrating how sensitive adaptation of heritage buildings can support social, educational, and environmental sustainability.
The project’s innovative restoration and thoughtful design have been recognised in Architecture Vogue Magazine & Luxury Property Magazine, highlighting its blend of heritage and contemporary architecture.
