Selhurst Sports Arena, Croydon, is the new headquarters of #MERKY FC, a collaboration between adidas and Stormzy.

After three years of dedicated work, adidas and #Merky FC have transformed a neglected football pitch and dilapidated changing facilities into a cutting-edge 500 sqm facility. The new #Merky FC HQ, located in Stormzy’s hometown, boasts a full-size 3G football pitch, modern changing rooms, a sports gaming hub, state-of-the-art recording equipment for podcasts and local artists, versatile multi-purpose rooms, an educational space, a multi-purpose studio, a fully equipped kitchen, and restrooms.

The site operator, Communities First Foundation, a registered charity dedicated to enhancing community engagement in housing estates and neighbourhoods, manages the space, which they managed prior to the development.

The building’s main entrance was strategically positioned to ensure that all visitors, regardless of their mode of arrival, enter simultaneously, providing a consistent experience for everyone. The new building replaces the older dilapidated facilities on a restricted site to the edge of the pitch. The new facility had to maintain the footprint of the existing and perimeter access while significantly increasing the building area. This led to the introduction of a first floor which had the added benefit of providing an accessible terrace with excellent views of the pitch.

The external material palette combines a robust grey brick on the ground floor, which provides a strong base that harmoniously links with the lighter upper level, enhanced by vertical silver-grey panels and large picture windows. This contrasting palette of external materials reflects the #Merky FC brand colour palette created by Broadwick Studios who also developed the interior look and feel and environmental graphics which effectively convey the #Merky FC brand through a cohesive visual identity and colour scheme.

The redevelopment of the sports pavilion is already making a significant impact on the local community.