Molly Behling of Hilson Moran reflects on The Placemaking Power of Sports and Entertainment talk, exploring how sports venues are becoming sustainable, inclusive community hubs.

In a rapidly evolving urban landscape, sports venues are shedding their traditional roles as stadiums and transforming into vibrant, multifunctional community hubs. 

At the 'Crowd Pleasers: The Placemaking Power of Sports and Entertainment' event hosted by New London Architecture (NLA) brought together experts from across the built environment to explore how these spaces can become key anchors in the urban fabric. With an increasing focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and year-round engagement, the future of sports venues is no longer just about the game—it’s about building thriving, accessible environments that foster community, culture, and economic growth.

Jack Sallabank, Founding Director at Future Places Studio, highlighted this shift with their Sport+ initiative, advocatingfor venues that integrate into their surroundings rather than standing isolated. The goal is to move beyond the “switched on/off” mentality, designing spaces that remain active with public amenities, markets, and cultural events.

Similarly, Ondřej Chybík, Co-founder at Chybik + Kristoff used their design for Jihlava Multipurpose Arena in the Czech Republic to demonstrate how stadiums can be truly multifunctional. The arena incorporates passive-use spaces like south-facing stairs where people can sit and enjoy the space on non-matchdays, as well as an adaptable ice rink and a rooftop running track.

Lloyd Lee, Managing Partner at Yoo Capital, expanded the scope further, giving his insight on the redevelopment of Olympia in London – demonstrating how underutilised sites can become 24/7 environments, combining leisure, culture, and business.

Their work on a new project in Kentish Town follows a similar approach, integrating affordable housing, schools, and cultural amenities alongside essential sports infrastructure. These projects reinforce the idea that stadiums should serve as community anchors, exemplifying liveability, inclusivity, and flexibility.

Joined by Ed Atkins (KSS) and Anna Blandford (LB Haringey) for a panel discussion, the speakers further explored how modern stadiums enhance fan experience and community engagement. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was cited as a successful model, generating jobs and economic activity while hosting events beyond football.

A key takeaway was that today’s fans expect more than just a game—they seek an immersive experience with dining, retail, and entertainment. Challenges remain, particularly in ensuring safety, accessibility, and sustainable transport links. The Belgian model, where 30% of stadium attendees arrive by bike, was proposed as a precedent for UK cities. Emphasising walkability and reducing congestion will be vital in future developments, and we can take lessons from best practice across the world.

As sports venues continue to evolve, we must be committed to shaping sustainable, inclusive, and multifunctional spaces that serve both the environment and communities. The viability of future stadiums lies in their ability tointegrate seamlessly into urban life, becoming lasting assets rather than occasional-use sites.