Momentum builds for new sports venues despite labour and materials pressures

Major sports and leisure developments will continue to be challenged by resource commitments created by large-scale UK infrastructure projects such as HS2 that have a notable draw on the labour pool in some regions. They also have an impact on the availability and cost of materials.

Generally, the UK market for venues has started 2026 positively. New stadium schemes that have been recently announced – Leeds Utd, Birmingham City Sports Quarter, Newcastle Utd, Manchester Utd, AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal – will all support continued activity in the sector.

The development of new arenas in the UK continues, with Oakview and other major operators looking to develop projects. The prospect of an arena in west London has been discussed for probably the last five to 10 years, and the actual site and design have long since been a point of discussion. Will 2026 be the year that this fabled scheme breaks cover and becomes a reality? Let’s wait and see.

The public leisure sector remains active, but opportunities are limited in scope due to ongoing funding constraints. The need to inject energy efficiency and to decarbonise is a priority, which will be set against continually tighter operational and capital budget availability.

Private leisure continues to be influenced by the growing popularity of padel in the UK. Courts are being developed across the country, and in traditional settings as well as some less expected locations such as farms and light industrial locations. The development of the sport is a great example of the power of private equity in sports infrastructure.