History of Sedbergh School in 50 Objects #44: Hirst Centre
As pupil numbers soared under Andrew Fleck’s leadership, it became clear that Sedbergh needed more space — not just classrooms, but facilities that could keep pace with an increasingly active, ambitious school community. Every sports pitch and hall was packed; timetables were stretched to the limit. It was time to think bigger.
In 2015, plans began for a bold new project: a large, dynamic, multi-purpose space. The intention from the start was for the space to support the community ‘from baby groups to elite sports pathways’. In an early planning meeting Mr Fleck suggested that the building should be named to honour former Headmaster, Christopher Hirst, and former Senior Mistress and Headmistress of the Sedbergh Junior School, Sara Hirst. Their combined vision and dedication had shaped Sedbergh and secured its future. The centre was a fitting tribute.
Planning permission was granted in 2016, but the early stages of pre-build excavation were far from smooth. Work halted when badgers were spotted on-site, causing a delay while Natural England surveyed the site to ensure that a nesting female was not occupying the badgers’ sett. As the project was on hold and steel prices climbed, the badger became affectionately known as “the most expensive badger in Sedbergh’s history.”
The Hirst Centre concept went through various iterations, the final design including a curved grass roof, cut-slate frontage and extensive glazing overlooking Busk pitch. On the north side of the building, a wildflower meadow was planted on an angled bank rising to meet the roof height. Continuation of the floral planting over the grass roof means that the building blends into the hillside beyond, sitting sympathetically within the landscape – a key requirement for the large structure in Sedbergh’s beautiful national park setting.
The Hirst Centre was officially opened on Speech Day 2018, with Mr and Mrs Hirst, and their three daughters in attendance. Inside, the main Sports Hall can transform from one vast arena into multiple courts. From netball and volleyball to cricket and badminton, the space hums with activity — and the mobile bleacher seating means that parents, pupils and friends can support eagerly from the sidelines. Downstairs, the Fitness Suite supports strength and conditioning for pupils, staff, and community members alike, whilst upstairs, the hospitality suite offers picture-postcard views across Busk pitch, as well as a viewing gallery of the indoor courts.
Today, the Hirst Centre is at the heart of Sedbergh life, serving both the School and the wider community. Cornerstone events in the School calendar, such as the Wilson Run concert, Speech Day and gala dinners now take place in the Hirst Centre, the whole School coming together as one body, rather than being forced by venue size to celebrate these milestones in disparate locations. Annual large scale School musical theatre productions are performed in the Hirst Centre, the tiered seating creating an intimate west end feel for performers and audience alike. The Hirst Centre has become the sporting hub of the School with activities on the rugby pitches, the New Field Hockey Centre, and in the hospitality suite and sports areas of the Hirst Centre itself. The walls of the foyer, hospitality suite and communal areas are lined with photographs of our sporting alumni, creating a Sedberghian ‘hall of fame’ for our own sportsmen and women. Elite sports pathways such as county netball now use the Hirst Centre as a base for their training, and community groups use the space for public classes in circuits, karate and pilates.
The Hirst Centre facilitator, Mrs Flor Zappula-Annett, manages the use of the space, runs circuit classes and provides one-on-one sessions in her specialisms, personal training and sports massage. Flor is passionate about exercise. Speaking about the mentality of her colleagues she said:
The School staff are very active and good role models for other people. I feel inspired if I see someone going for a walk or a run during their lunch break. It reminds me ‘Oh, I can do that.’ It’s also so clear that exercise is good for mental health.
Speaking about her priorities for her role Flor commented,
From the start I wanted to help people that don’t know what to do in the gym. Setting up the circuit class was a great way to do this. If people don’t know what to do in the gym they get bored and lose motivation. Circuit classes work so well because the class is different every week and you manage your own intensity. It works really well for any level.
Amongst her priorities have been to ensure that the Hirst Centre is accessible to the wider community, not just members of the School. Flor is now seeking to expand her existing offering of classes:
I’ve got an idea now for a seniors’ circuit class. It would complement the over 50’s session that we run at the pool. Weights are massively important for older people, but some people don’t know how to do it – or they think it’s too hard. So, I’d like to change that and have circuits for over 50s with more basic movement.
The creation of the Hirst Centre has been transformative — not just as a sports complex, but as a shared space for performance, celebration and community. Sedbergh succeeds in bucking the national trend of young people dropping out of sports in their teenage years, engaging them both through the appealing facilities on offer and by the knowledgeable staff available to support pupils with their personal fitness goals. The Hirst Centre is a vital part of this picture.
