Refurbishment and extension of sports hall to create new conference centre facility for Buckfast Abbey, Devon TQ11 OEE The building contains a double height performance space, offices, break out rooms, 2 no. kitchen, cloaks and back of house, WCs and miscellaneous support spaces The Abbey approached RSA for design proposals for the development of a site of a former school gymnasium and support spaces that was suffering from lack of maintenance and poor construction. We were keen to use the project to address the challenges of climate change and minimise the carbon emissions. This resulted in developing the project as a refurbishment and extension rather than a wholesale demolition and re-build project. We retained the ground slab, a large proportion of the external walls to avoid unnecessary cart away and removal of spoil. These elements of the structural fabric of the building were retained. The project provides a multi-use and flexible building for all sectors. These include conferences, education gatherings, theatre performances, trade shows, film showings, book and discussion groups, sports use etc.