Lilleshall National Sports Centre, an award-winning Centre of Excellence and a dedicated training centre for many of the UK’s most elite athletes, has been transformed into a state-of-the-art conference, meeting and exhibition venue following a multi-million pound investment programme funded by Sport England.
The Telford venue, headquarters of the Archery GB team, British Gymnastics team and the English Institute of Sport, has recently undergone an exciting £6.9 million refurbishment across its whole site, that will see it compete against some of the top conference venues across the UK.
The investment has transformed the 19th century former residence of the Duke of Sutherland into a modern space, with capacity for between 8 and 360 delegates, offering a choice of 13 conference and meeting rooms, either within the historic house itself or within the contemporary, purpose-built facilities. The venue also plays host to a 166 seat lecture theatre, exhibition hall, and 4-star campus style accommodation, as well as offering unique team-building opportunities, complemented by full dining and hospitality facilities.
The renovation work has seen the Queens Hall accommodation undergo a complete refurbishment, now offering room for up to 50 guests adding to other conference accommodation in Kent Hall for up to 92 guests. Ford Hall, the centre’s largest meeting and event space, has been transformed into an up-to-the-minute conference venue, ideal for larger meetings, dinners and exhibitions.
Sarah Bird, Business Tourism Manager for Meet Telford & Shropshire, the official convention bureau for the county, explained: “This investment is fantastic news for the region and has transformed Lilleshall into a truly unique conference, and meeting venue, offering a wonderful setting for events and exhibitions of all shapes and sizes. We are extremely proud of the eclectic mix of venues the county has to offer, from historic castles and country houses to cutting-edge convention centres, and this project is just another reason why Telford and the surrounding area really is a destination that stands up against the very best UK cities.”
Zoe Dixon, Head of National Centres, Sport England, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of the renovations and are confident it will play a key role in Lilleshall being recognised as a first-class venue for meetings and conferences. Unlike other facilities, Lilleshall is quite unique in the way it allows guests to meet in a 19th century stately home with breath-taking views over the near-by countryside, whilst having all the services on hand to ensure the perfect event.
“We are currently planning a number of ‘Taster Days’, which will provide corporate clients and agencies with the opportunity to have an exclusive preview of the fantastic facilities on offer here at Lilleshall, including a tour of the venue and an opportunity to experience the range of activities available here. I’d encourage anyone interested to register now.”
