As the evolution of sports infrastructure continues to create exciting opportunities across Australia, the practice has announced the appointment of Principal Richard Morrell to the role of Sport and Recreation Portfolio Leader.

Morrell will drive the busy pipeline of sport and recreation projects and leverage the collective national sports experience and interdisciplinary talent.

“It’s an exciting time for sport in Australia, and Hames Sharley is diversifying its portfolio to reflect the next generation of facilities to support the changing ways we play, watch and engage in sport and entertainment,” says Morrell.

The announcement follows the passing of the baton from former Sport and Recreation Portfolio Leader, Madeleine Steele, who remains a key contributor to the portfolio while continuing her focus as South Australian Studio Leader.

“Richard is a brilliant and creative designer who approaches projects with optimism and excitement. He combines his passion for sport architecture with his passion for equity and inclusion in public architecture which will see the portfolio thrive,” Steele says.

The portfolio is further strengthened by two recent additions; Byron Wessels and Danny Ngo. As a sports designer with experience bridging both industry and academic research, Ngo is dedicated to finding sustainable, efficient, and purposeful solutions, while Senior Architect Wessels has over 12 years’ experience specialising in projects from medium to large scale in the public sector sports, recreation and aquatic (FINA) Facilities.

“What’s exciting is that we are leveraging our expertise in urban design, retail, education and interiors to reflect the next evolution of sport and recreation facilities, including entertainment, lifestyle precincts, stadiums, sustainability, inclusion and technology. Our cross-disciplinary capability puts us at the forefront of this,” Morrell says.

In the Northern Territory, Hames Sharley is working on a project in Ngukurr for Yugal Mungi Aboriginal Development Corporation. Funded by a range of grants including the AFL, the project will deliver a $24m multi-purpose sports, community and recreation hub.

“The new sports hub means that players won’t need to travel 11 hours by road to play in Katherine each week. As a town obsessed with football, this will bring sport to the community along with all the health and wellness benefits that go with it,” Morrell says.

Hames Sharley also recently completed the Australian Centre for Sports Aerodynamics (ACSA), the only sports-specific building of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Featuring a cutting-edge, customised wind tunnel, the facility supports high performing Australian sports teams and athletes to deliver podium performances at both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“While we are all passionate about sport in different ways we share one goal – to create great outcomes that foster connection to people and culture. Together, we are excited to lead by example with a range of diverse sport projects that are part of this great evolution,” Morrell says.

From high-performance elite infrastructure to grass-roots football facilities, Hames Sharley is continuing to create impactful connections across the country with a legacy of shaping vibrant places, including the Adelaide Oval Redevelopment, PAFC Allan Scott Headquarters Upgrade, Scarboro Surf Life Saving Club and the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre.

Image: Richard Morrell/supplied

Clémence Carayol

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